Measles is a very contagious disease. It always includes a rash.
You can get measles from a person who is infected with the measles virus.
This virus is found in the nose and throat.
It can spread through the air by coughing, sneezing and talking.
Measles starts with a fever, nasal cold and coughing.
After 3 to 7 days, a spotty rash starts behind the ears and then spreads all over your
body.
You will be feverish and may become very ill.
Thankfully, measles usually goes away on its own, without medication.
If you do become seriously ill, you could also develop pneumonia or encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain).
You might even die.
Most children in the Netherlands are vaccinated against measles.
They get two injections: the first at 14 months and the second at 3 years.
Would you like to know more? Go to RIVM.nl/en/measles
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