There are some early symptoms of measles that aren’t a rash (Image: Getty)
There are five warning signs of a potentially fatal illness to watch for as an outbreak spreads through UK schools. These “early” indicators of measles can emerge before the characteristic rash develops.
Measles is a highly contagious infection that can lead to serious complications in certain individuals. Children are particularly at risk, with a current outbreak in North London predominantly affecting those aged under 10.
The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there have been 130 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England since 1st January this year. In 2025, there were 959 cases documented, and in 2024, there were 2,911 – the highest annual total since 2012.
Earlier this month, health authorities confirmed a rapidly spreading outbreak across several North London schools, mainly impacting unvaccinated children under 10 years old. The NHS warns on its website that measles can lead to severe complications if it reaches other areas of the body, especially the lungs or brain.
Serious potential complications include pneumonia, meningitis, vision loss, and seizures. Between 2019 and 2025, there were 20 deaths linked to measles, equalling the number recorded during the 19-year span from 1999 to 2018.
Measles can lead to severe complications in some (Image: Getty)
From 2021 to 2023, the UK was deemed to have successfully “eliminated” measles. The resurgence of infections has been attributed to a substantial decline in vaccination rates.
In January, the UKHSA stated: “Uptake of the routine childhood vaccinations is the lowest it has been in a decade and is well below the 95 per cent uptake needed to protect the population and prevent measles outbreaks. This is giving measles a chance to get a foothold in our communities.”
Symptoms
Most people are familiar with the fact that measles can cause a rash. However, you may not realise that there are some other warning signs that can appear first.
The NHS says that 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
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
Characteristics of a measles rash:
- 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
- The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you or your child may have measles. The NHS says: “Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in.
“They may suggest talking over the phone or arrange for you to come to a part of the surgery where you’re separated from others.”
Read more: ‘Support’ announced as UK battles outbreak of highly contagious disease
Read more: Big changes for GPs to tackle measles vaccination crisis
How can the spread be prevented?
Measles is transmitted when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The infectious period begins when symptoms first appear (approximately four days before the rash emerges) and continues until four days after the rash has developed.
To limit the spread of the infection, the NHS recommends staying away from school or work for at least four days after the onset of the rash.
Guidance on its website states: “Stay off nursery, school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears. Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.”
Additional preventative measures recommended by the NHS include:
- Opening windows and doors to help reduce the risk of measles spreading – only open the top window or use safety catches if you have young children
- Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water
- Using tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of them immediately
- Avoiding sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
Vaccines
The best method of protection from measles is the MMR vaccine. The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK.
The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger. You should ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
