CASES of measles – dubbed ‘the world’s most infectious disease’ – have surged worldwide, particularly affecting children under the age of five.
The illness is often identified by its , but one doctor has warned of other symptoms to look out for – which appear days before a rash even becomes visible.
Measles cases have been on the rise globallyCredit: Getty
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently warned that .
An estimated 11 million people contracted measles in 2024, figures suggest, up 7 per cent on the 10.4 million in 2023.
At least 59 countries were struck by large measles outbreaks last year, according to WHO – almost three times the number seen before the pandemic.
And at least 95,000 people – mostly young children – died from the disease.
In the UK, measles cases have been increasing since April 2025. Outbreaks have particularly affected London and the North West regions.
This has resulted in the highest number of cases in since 2012.
Since January 2025, there have been 847 confirmed cases of measles reported in England.
In the last four weeks alone, 27 cases have been reported according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Over the , UKHSA and England issued warnings about high measles risk for holidaymakers travelling to European countries and other parts of the world that have seen outbreaks.
UKHSA also issued a back to school warning about measles in September.
The rise in measles cases in the UK has been blamed on poor uptake of the (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, which is considered the best protection against the infection.
More than 99 per cent of people who receive two doses of the vaccine become protected.
In the UK, the MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses: the first at around 12 to 13 months old and the second at 18 months old for children born from July 1, 2024, or at around three years and four months old for children born before that date.
If a dose is missed, it can be given at any age, and sometimes a dose is given from six months for at high risk of exposure.
Alongside making sure your child is up to date with their vaccine, Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health insurance , stressed the importance of being able to spot symptoms.
Spotting symptoms of measles as early as possible can prevent the highly contagious virus from spreading.
According to Dr Bradshaw, up to eight symptoms can appear before the well-known measles rash develops.
Eight key measles symptoms all parents should know
Dr Bradshaw says look out for:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Watery, red, swollen eyes
- High temperature
- Small greyish-white spots in the mouth
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Barky cough
Knowing what the measles rash looks like is also important. Symptoms include:
- Flat red spots (macules)
- Slightly raised bumps (papules)
- Red, pink or reddish-brown rash
- Starts on the hairline, face, neck and behind the ears
- Spreads downwards to the arms, legs and feet
- Larger blotchy patches on the chest and back
- Not usually itchy
Dr Bradshaw advised: “If your child shows any of these symptoms of measles, or has been in contact with someone with measles, contact your immediately for a proper diagnosis.”
Measles transmission
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, transmitted through coughs and sneezes.
As an airborne virus, it can remain in the air for up to two hours after contamination, increasing the risk of exposure to the virus.
If you have measles, it usually lasts 10-14 days if you don’t have complications.
So what should you do if your child has measles?
Firstly, contact your GP as soon as you notice any symptoms, but call first to avoid infecting others
Make sure your child stays at home and avoids going to school or other public places.
Dr Bradshaw added: “Be aware of any worsening symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, and ensure your child stays rested and hydrated.
“Keep the room dimly lit, and if symptoms have subsided, they can return to school four days after the rash first appeared.”
Dr Bradshaw also urged: “If your child has not received both doses of the MMR vaccine before attending school this September, speak to your GP about ensuring this is up to date.”
Expert answers MMR questions
TO help deal with parental concerns, Professor Helen Bedford, a specialist in child public health at University College London, tells you all you need to know about the MMR vaccine.
When is the vaccine given?
The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme.
It’s typically given via a single shot into the muscle of the thigh or the upper arm.
The first dose is offered to children at the age of one (babies younger than this may have some protection from antibodies passed on from their mother, which start to wear off at about 12 months.)
The second dose is then offered to children aged three years and four months before they start school.
To check to see if you or your child have had the recommended two doses of MMR, you can look at their/your Personal Child Health Record, also known as the red book.
If you can’t find the red book, call your and ask them for your vaccine records.
You are never too old to catch up with your MMR vaccine.
If you see from your that you did not receive two doses as a child, you can book a vaccination appointment.
Is the vaccine safe?
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella.
In the UK, we started using the jab in 1988, so we have decades of experience using it.
The jab is made from much-weakened live versions of the three viruses.
This triggers the to produce antibodies that are protective in the face of future exposure.
It takes up to three weeks after having the vaccine to be fully protected.
Like any vaccine, the MMR jab can cause side-effects, which are usually mild and go away very quickly.
This includes rash, high temperature, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell for about two or three days.
There is also a very small chance children can have a severe allergic reaction.
But compared to the complications of , there is no contest that vaccination is by far the safest and most effective route to take.
Why was it linked with autism?
In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a now-discredited paper in medical journal The Lancet.
The paper suggested that the MMR vaccine might be associated with and a form of .
It led to a sharp decline in rates.
Even at the time, the research was considered poor.
The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after Wakefield’s article was found “dishonest” by the General Medical Council.
He was later struck off and subsequently, in 2011, the British Medical Journal declared the story fraudulent.
Does it contain ingredients from pigs?
There are two types of MMR jabs: One with gelatin (animal/pig collagen), and one without it.
For some religious groups, the inclusion of pig products is not acceptable.
Those people should ask for the vaccine without gelatin.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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