MEASLES: Measles is highly infectious and can be serious for those not immunised
against the disease. The illness starts with what appears at first to be an ordinary cold, sore eyes,
sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. These symptoms are accompanied by a fever and are usually present for about four
days before the rash appears. During this period the child is very infectious, so if measles is suspected it is wise
to keep the child away from pre-school. The rash develops about 3-4 days after the onset of the symptoms. Pink spots appear first on the face and behind the ears and then spread over the
body and limbs. Within a day or two these spots merge into larger, raised, blotchy areas and
their colour changes to a darker red. Spread of the disease is by respiratory droplets or direct contact with
nasal/throat secretions.
SLAPPED CHEEK SYNDROME: This is a mild viral disease spread by respiratory
droplets. It initially appears as a ‘flu-like’ illness followed by a rash on the face giving a ‘slapped cheek’ appearance. The rash may also involve the legs and torso and some children have mild joint
pains. By the time the rash appears most children are no longer infectious and
exclusion from pre-school serves no useful purpose.
