When should I consider referring a patient with measles for specialist care?

Consider referring a patient with measles for specialist care if they belong to any of the following high-risk groups:

• Children younger than one year of age.
• Pregnant women.
• Immunocompromised individuals, regardless of immunization status.

These groups are at higher risk of complications and require immediate advice from local paediatric services, oncologists, or obstetricians through locally agreed rapid access routes.

Urgent referral is also indicated if the patient develops signs of complications such as:

• Shortness of breath.
• Uncontrolled fever.
• Convulsions or altered consciousness.

For immunocompromised patients, specialist advice is essential due to the risk of severe, prolonged illness and potential for longer infectious periods.

Notification to the local Health Protection Team (HPT) is mandatory for all suspected cases to enable public health management including contact tracing.