A highly infectious disease is spreading again across parts of the UK and Europe (Image: Getty)
Holidaymakers have been urged to do one crucial thing before travelling as cases of a highly infectious Victorian-era disease surge across the UK and Europe. Health officials have raised the alarm over measles, with outbreaks reported in several European countries and rising case numbers in England prompting fresh warnings to travellers.
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) issued a travel advisory ahead of the Easter holiday period, warning thousands of people planning trips abroad to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the disease. Officials said there have been “ongoing cases and recent outbreaks of measles in Europe and the UK”, urging travellers to familiarise themselves with symptoms and check they have received the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
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Majority of cases have been amongst children (Image: Getty)
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily.
“Latest data show MMR uptake among children aged 24 months is 87.6%, which remains below the World Health Organization target of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.”
The warning comes as measles cases rise again in England. According to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 158 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported in England between 1 January and 23 February 2026.
The majority of cases have been among children aged 10 and under, with London accounting for two-thirds of infections.
A major outbreak in North London has driven much of the increase, with the highest numbers recorded in Enfield, Birmingham and Haringey.
Although no measles-related deaths have been reported in England this year, health officials warn the disease can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and vulnerable adults.
Measles was once common in Britain before vaccination programmes dramatically reduced cases. However, falling vaccination rates in recent years have allowed the virus to resurface.
The HSE warned that measles is “one of the most infectious diseases”, meaning outbreaks can spread rapidly when vaccination coverage drops below protective levels.
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Symptoms usually appear around 10 days after infection and initially resemble a severe cold.
runny nose, sneezing and cough
sore, red eyes sensitive to light
tiredness and loss of appetite
small grey-white spots inside the mouth
A distinctive rash typically develops two to four days later, beginning on the face or neck before spreading across the body.
Health officials say anyone unsure about their vaccination status should contact their GP, as the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against measles.
The HSE also urged families to stay home and contact a doctor if they suspect infection, warning that infected people should avoid contact with others unless they are fully vaccinated.
With Easter travel approaching and millions preparing to fly abroad, health authorities are urging the public to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to prevent the disease spreading further across Europe.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
