Measles cases are likely to spread rapidly unless more people get vaccinated, the UK Health Security Agency says.
Pop-up clinics are being opened to get more children vaccinated.
What is measles and what are the symptoms?
Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes.
- high fever
- sore, red and watery eyes
- coughing
- sneezing
Small white spots may appear inside the mouth.
A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
Image source, Getty Images
Measles normally clears up after seven to 10 days. However, complications can include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.
Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are more at risk.
Can adults get measles?
Anyone of any age can catch measles.
If you catch it while pregnant, the disease can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage or your baby being born small.
Can you catch measles twice?
It is possible, but highly unlikely.
The body builds up immunity to the disease after being infected the first time.
How can I get the MMR vaccine?
The vaccine is very effective. After two doses of the MMR vaccine, 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella, and 88% will be protected against mumps.
The first MMR dose is usually given at 12 months and the second at about three years and four months.
However, you can catch up on the jabs at any point, whether you are a child or an adult.
You can speak to your GP surgery to book jabs for your child, or if you think you have missed your own vaccinations.
Pop-up clinics are being set up at some schools.
People who do not eat pork products can request an alternative version called Priorix.
If the MMR vaccine is not suitable, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be given to someone at immediate risk of catching measles.
What are the side effects of the MMR jab?
Most side effects are mild and do not last long.
The area where the needle goes in can be red, sore and swollen for a few days.
Babies and young children may develop a high temperature for up to 72 hours.
Researcher Andrew Wakefield wrongly claimed the two were connected in 1998. His work was later dismissed, and Mr Wakefield was struck off by the General Medical Council in 2010.
At the time the claims were made, many parents chose not to have their children vaccinated. Those children are now young adults and being urged to get vaccinated.
Why are measles cases rising?
The number of young primary school children who have had the MMR vaccine is below World Health Organization targets.
That makes outbreaks of measles much more common.
Some 85% of children in 2022-23 had received two MMR doses by the time they were five years old, the lowest level since 2010-11. The goal is 95%.
Where are the outbreaks?
The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, have seen the most cases in recent months – more than 200.
There have also been smaller outbreaks in parts of London, where 74% of five-year-olds have had two doses. In a few areas, such as Hackney, nearly half of children are not fully vaccinated.
There are small clusters of cases in other areas of the country too.
There were 1,603 suspected cases of measles in England and Wales in 2023, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). That is up sharply from 735 cases in 2022 and 360 in 2021.
What should you do if you get measles?
The NHS advises patients to:
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old
- rest and drink plenty of fluids
- wash their hands regularly with soap, and clean their eyes with damp cotton wool
- put used tissues and cotton wool in the bin
You should go to A&E or phone 999 if you or your child:
- have shortness of breath
- have a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
- are coughing up blood
- feel drowsy or confused
- have fits (convulsions)
Pregnant women or those with a weakened immune system should seek urgent medical advice after contact with someone with measles.
Have you been able to access the measles vaccine? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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