Measles: how does it spread and how can I protect my child?

The measles rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Photograph: _jure/Getty Images

A measles outbreak in London is affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, and comes amid an increase in infections globally.

The UK was among six countries to lose the measles-free status granted by the World Health Organization (WHO) last month. Experts are calling on governments to urgently boost vaccination rates to stop measles infecting more children.