Contagious Illnesses

Mumps

Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one ear often followed by swelling in front of the other ear after a few days. It is infectious from two to three days before the swelling appears until eight or ten days after that date.

The glands are often painful. Immunisation can prevent the disease.

If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor.

Measles

The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from two to three days before the rash appears until eight or ten days after that date.
Immunisation can prevent this disease.

German Measles (Rubella)

A rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arm and legs in small pink patches about 2 to 4mm in diameter. It does not itch. Often no other symptoms are present apart from occasional aching in the joints. It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears until 4 to 5 days afterwards.

The only danger is to unborn babies and it is therefore important that any contacts who might be pregnant are informed so that they can consult their doctor. Immunisation can prevent disease.

Chicken Pox

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3 to 4mm across. In a few hours small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 2 or 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty. Cool baths may help. The most infectious period is from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this.

Children may return to school 6 days from the day when the rash first appears.