Recent headlines have highlighted concerns of a resurgence in measles cases across the UK and especially in London. We asked our paediatric medical advisor, Dr Gavin Cleary, Consultant Rheumatologist at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, whether parents/carers of a child with JIA should be concerned or taking any specific action at this point in time.
Dr Cleary advised “unfortunately children not up to date with the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine are susceptible to measles. This may include some children with JIA who have not been able to receive MMR because of their JIA treatment. Measles can start with cold like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough with a rash not showing until they have been infectious for up to four days. This means it may not be easy to spot a child has measles in a classroom in the early stages of measles infection before they have a rash and could pass the infection to unvaccinated classmates.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine but I understand children with JIA on immune suppressing drugs (eg methotrexate and/or biologics) may not be able to receive the MMR. Parents are encouraged to ask their paediatric rheumatology team if they have any questions about eligibility for MMR.
It is important anyone with measles does not attend school. If you think your child has measles, or your child is treated with immune suppressing drugs and has been in close contact with someone with measles please contact your paediatric rheumatology team, GP or call NHS 111.
