An urgent warning has been issued to UK holidaymakers over the outbreak of a Victorian disease in 17 EU countries. Measles outbreaks have been reported in 17 countries in the WHO European region.
Dr Jose Hagan, Team Lead for Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization at WHO/Europe said: "All countries, including those verified as having eliminated endemic transmission of measles, must be vigilant for possible importation and spread of this highly contagious disease."
A number of outbreaks have already been reported in the UK, some linked to foreign travel. More than 140,000 people around the world die from measles every year. In 2019 the outbreaks reached a record high with 207,000 deaths.
Other countries reporting cases include France, Belgium, Poland and Austria.
"There is no question, we're going to see a surge of cases if things continue this way," Prof Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, told The Sun.
"So far, we've only seen limited outbreaks across the country, but we're likely to see more," she said.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first symptoms of measles include a high temperature and a runny or blocked nose, as well as sneezing and a cough and red, sore, watery eyes.
The NHS says small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.
There is no cure for measles, you can only treat the symptoms with water and paracetamol.
Serious signs of measles in children are:
- Deterioration in their condition
- Persistent or prolonged fever
- Rejection of food or water which may lead to dehydration
- Severe respiratory symptoms with a fall in blood oxygen saturation
- Signs of meningitis: headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, dislike of bright light (photophobia) etc.
The NHS advises you to call a doctor if there are any of the concerning signs outlined above. This is more appropriate than going to the local A & E to protect other ill and vulnerable patients.
