If you’ve been scrolling through the news lately, you might have noticed a worrying health story dominating the headlines: a fast-spreading measles outbreak has hit the UK. Right now, dozens of cases are being recorded across schools and nurseries in London.
This comes shortly after the World Health Organization announced the UK has officially lost its "measles-free" elimination status due to a drop in vaccination rates and as one GP said around one in five children are being hospitalised with the disease, having not been immunised.
Understandably, people are concerned. Whether you’re a parent, a pregnant woman, or simply someone wanting to protect your health, you likely want to know exactly what the symptoms are and how to keep yourself and your community safe.
To break down everything you need to know about the outbreak, we spoke to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, and Niamh McMillan, Superdrug Pharmacy Superintendent, to get the facts on symptoms, risks, and how vaccines come into play.
What exactly is measles – and why is it so concerning?
You might think of measles as a standard childhood bug, but Dr Wylie explains that it is actually a highly contagious and potentially severe illness.
“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness caused by the measles virus, which spreads very easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even simply breathes in close proximity to others,” says Dr Wylie.
If you’re wondering how it compares to other common illnesses, like chickenpox, there are some notable distinctions. “While both measles and chickenpox are viral illnesses that commonly affect children and cause a rash, they are caused by different viruses,” explains McMillan. “Chickenpox usually presents with an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters before crusting over. Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a flat red-brown rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downwards.”
Ultimately, measles “is generally considered more serious and is more likely to lead to complications,” McMillan warns.
Measles symptoms: The early warning signs to look out for
Spotting measles early can be tricky because the initial stage mimics everyday winter bugs. “Early symptoms of measles include a high fever (typically above 38°C), runny or blocked nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and feeling generally unwell,” McMillan points out.
Dr Wylie also highlights a classic clinical feature to look out for: “the appearance of small white spots inside the cheeks, known as Koplik spots, which can precede the rash by a day or two.”
The rash itself usually follows three to five days later, starting on the face and upper neck before spreading to the trunk and limbs. “Unlike chickenpox, where itching is a dominant feature, measles is characterised more by systemic upset and a persistent, dry cough,” she explains. Children often seem “miserable, lethargic and off their food.”
The complications of measles: Why skipping the vaccine is a risk
The current UK outbreak is primarily affecting those who aren't fully immunised, and the risks are not trivial. “Measles is highly contagious,” McMillan warns. “If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.”
While many recover, complications can include ear infections and pneumonia – the latter being one of the most common causes of hospital admission. “In rare but serious cases, measles can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can be life-threatening and, in some cases, may lead to long-term complications,” McMillan cautions, adding that “those most at risk of complications include babies, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.”
From a public health perspective, Dr Wylie notes that outbreaks "can place considerable strain on health services, particularly when vaccination rates fall."
How the MMR vaccine protects you
When it comes to protection, vaccines are our best defence, she shares. “Vaccines protect by stimulating the immune system to recognise and respond rapidly to the virus without the individual having to suffer the full effects of the disease,” says Dr Wylie.
“In the UK we use the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, and it works by introducing a weakened form of the virus that cannot cause illness in healthy individuals but is sufficient to trigger an immune response.”
If a vaccinated person is later exposed, their immune system can “neutralise it quickly, preventing infection altogether or significantly reducing its severity.” Furthermore, high vaccination levels create "herd immunity," which helps protect vulnerable individuals who can't be vaccinated, like young babies or those undergoing certain medical treatments.
For those needing to catch up, McMillan adds: “Superdrug’s nationwide high street clinics offer an MMR vaccination service for £45 per dose, with appointments able to be made online.”
What to do if you suspect you have measles
With the virus currently circulating, vigilance is key. "Avoiding measles primarily comes down to ensuring full vaccination according to the NHS schedule, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing excellent protection," advises Dr Wylie.
If you’re unsure of your (or your child's) vaccination status, it is sensible to check with your GP. Catch-up vaccinations are safe and readily available.
Finally, if you suspect an infection, avoid contact with others, as individuals are infectious several days before the rash even appears. “Good respiratory hygiene, such as covering coughs and washing hands regularly, plays a supportive role,” Dr Wylie concludes, “but given just how contagious measles is, vaccination remains by far the most effective and reliable means of prevention.”
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
