Experts warn low measles vaccine uptake has left Britain vulnerable to mass outbreaks as a pharmacist outlines the key signs and symptoms to look out for – and they could be easily missed
A measles outbreak in London could spread to the rest of the country, health experts have warned.
The outbreak in the north London borough of Enfield has seen 34 laboratory confirmed cases and a number have been hospitalised. There are dozens more suspected cases and the official confirmed cases are set to rise amid warnings measles will spread out from the capital.
Other counties have issued warnings to parents who have been told to check whether their child has been given the vaccine which protects against the potentially fatal disease. Southend City Council said cases are rising and are “likely to reach Essex, Southend and Thurrock” soon.
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Niamh McMillan, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, said: “Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, which can have serious health consequences, especially for young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
“Early detection and vaccination are key to protecting yourself and others from this potentially dangerous illness. Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish from other common illnesses.”
Measles Symptoms
HIGH FEVER
Niamh says: “One of the earliest signs, often starting around 10-12 days after exposure to the virus. Superdrug’s Own Brand Paracetamol, £0.49 or 3p per tablet, can help bring down high fever.”
COUGH, RUNNY NOSE AND SORE THROAT
Niamh says: “The symptoms can mimic a cold and usually accompany the fever.”
WHITE SPOTS INSIDE THE MOUTH
Niamh says: “Referred to as Koplik spots which are found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. Not everyone with measles will have these spots, which usually last for a few days.”
RASH
Niamh says: “The most typical symptom of measles, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It usually appears three to five days after first signs of symptoms and lasts for several days. The rash can be flat or slightly raised and join together into larger patches.”
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Earlier this year the World Health Organization confirmed that measles had officially re-established itself in the UK from 2024. Countries are awarded measles elimination status by the global health body when vaccine coverage is over 95% required to achieve herd immunity.
Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: “There has been a downward trend in routine childhood vaccination coverage over the past decade, and this has resulted in nationwide measles outbreaks since 2024 with cases recorded in every local authority.
“Patchy vaccination coverage is allowing measles to spread and is putting children at risk of serious complications, and at risk of death – as we saw last year in Liverpool.”
Niamh McMillan added: “The measles virus spreads through respiratory droplets, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours, making it easy for the disease to spread, especially in crowded environments, such as public transport and office settings.”
