The initial symptoms include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, and sore and red eyes.

This is followed a few days later by a blotchy, red rash which often starts on the face then becomes widespread over the body.

Measles is a serious, sometime life-threatening, disease.

A person may be infectious as much as five days before the rash appears.

If you think you have measles, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) any time, any day.

As measles is highly contagious, this may be the best way to get advice without running the risk of spreading measles in public waiting rooms at Ipswich Hospital or at your GP clinic.

Instead, describe your symptoms to the 13HEALTH nurse, and they will tell you what to do next.

If the condition is life-threatening, dial 000.

Ipswich City Council runs free immunisation clinics in Ipswich, Redbank and Springfield for those requiring vaccination.

You do not need to make an appointment, but do bring along your Medicare card if you have one.

Visit the Ipswich City Council website for more information.