Travel experts warned that cases of a contagious illness are rising worldwide (Image: Getty)
Brits planning a holiday this summer have been warned they must be “up-to-date” with their vaccines. This comes amid an “increase” in measles cases worldwide, including in parts of Europe and Asia.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes cold-like symptoms, red eyes, and a distinct blotchy rash. In serious cases, it can lead to severe complications like meningitis and seizures, and can prove fatal.
In an update on the Travel Health Pro website, experts explained that the illness has surged in various countries. They said: “The summer holidays provide opportunity to explore different countries, head off for a city break, have a beach holiday or take the children to visit friends and family overseas.
“Good preparation and planning ahead helps ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.
“These vaccinations include, for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Measles is a risk in many countries, and there has been an increase in measles cases and outbreaks reported worldwide, including in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including Canada and the United States.”
Symptoms of measles include a distinctive rash (Image: Getty)
Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control found that there were a total of 3,607 measles cases reported by 30 EU/EEA member states in the year after April 1, 2025. Going into more detail, it said: “Of 3,029 individuals (84.0% of all cases) with a known age and vaccination status, 2 369 (78.2%) were unvaccinated, 320 (10.6%) were vaccinated with one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, 301 (9.9%) were vaccinated with two or more doses, and 32 (1.1%) were vaccinated with an unknown number of doses.
“During the 12-month period, five deaths (case fatality rate (CFR): 0.139 %) attributable to measles were reported to ECDC by France (three), Netherlands (one) and Romania (one).”
And a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), found that measles cases in Europe were at their highest in 2024 since 1997. A total of 127,350 measles cases were reported in the European Region in 2024, double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997.
Children under five accounted for more than 40 per cent of reported cases in the region – comprising 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia. More than half of the reported cases required hospitalisation. A total of 38 deaths have been reported, based on preliminary data received as of 6 March 2025.
The spread has been attributed to declining rates of vaccination. Dr Hans P Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, commented to say: “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security. As we shape our new regional health strategy for Europe and Central Asia, we cannot afford to lose ground.
“Every country must step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities. The measles virus never rests—and neither can we.”
Measles cases are also rising in the UK. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that in 2024, there were 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England, the highest number of cases recorded annually since 2012. In 2025, there were a total of 959 laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Data for 2023 to 2025 and historical data are available.
Between 1 January 2026 and 11 May 2026, there have been 542 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England, an increase of 65 cases since the last report on 27 April 2026.
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Symptoms
The virus transmits very quickly. Initial symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold, with a distinctive rash emerging several days afterwards.
The first symptoms of measles can include:
- A high temperature
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
The rash initially appears on the face and behind the ears, subsequently spreading across the entire body.
Occasionally, the spots associated with the measles rash become raised and merge, creating blotchy patches. These are typically not itchy.
The NHS cautions that measles can trigger severe complications should it migrate to other bodily areas, particularly the lungs or brain.
Potential consequences include pneumonia, meningitis, loss of vision, and convulsions. In the most serious instances, the disease can be life-threatening.
How to prevent the spread
Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You’re infectious from when you first have symptoms (around four days before the rash appears) until four days after you get the rash.
The NHS advises that to curb the transmission of the infection, individuals must remain absent from educational institutions or workplaces for a minimum of four days following the emergence of the rash.
According to its website, the guidance 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.”
However, the initial step if you or your child develops measles is to arrange an urgent consultation with your GP. The NHS advises: “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. You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.”
After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. It can help to:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration
- Give your child paracetamol for children or ibuprofen for children if they’re distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you’re not sure
- Adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature
- Use cotton wool soaked in water that has been boiled and allowed to cool to gently remove any crusts from your or your child’s eyes
- The NHS also recommends you:
- Open 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
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- Use tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw them in the bin immediately after using them
- Do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding
Vaccination
Having the MMRV or MMR vaccine is the “best way” to prevent measles. The NHS says: “Both vaccines also protect you from mumps and rubella, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.
“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.”
Ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure you or your child has had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.
