The NHS advises people to follow a four-day rule to help prevent the spread of measles (Image: Getty)
Parents have been urged to remember a four-day guideline, following confirmation that the UK has forfeited its measles elimination status. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the highly infectious and potentially deadly illness is now « re-established ».
From 2021 through to 2023, Britain was deemed to have successfully « eliminated » the condition. The resurgence in infections has been attributed to a marked decline in vaccination rates.
Confirmed measles cases across the UK skyrocketed to 3,681 throughout 2024. Meanwhile, England alone recorded 957 laboratory-verified measles diagnoses in 2025.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the majority of these infections have occurred amongst unvaccinated youngsters below 10 years of age. The UKHSA stated: « Uptake of the routine childhood vaccinations is the lowest it has been in a decade and is well below the 95% uptake needed to protect the population and prevent measles outbreaks.
« This is giving measles a chance to get a foothold in our communities. »
Getting vaccinated is the best protection against measles (Image: Getty)
The virus transmits very quickly. Initial symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold, with a distinctive rash emerging several days afterwards. 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.
Between 2019 and 2025, there were a total of 20 deaths attributed to measles, matching the figure recorded during the 19-year period from 1999 to 2018. 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.
Read more: Highly contagious disease that was ‘eliminated’ in UK now ‘re-established’
Read more: Victorian disease ‘re-established’ in the UK as WHO issues horror
“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
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 have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.
Other ways to avoid catching or spreading measles
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.
For this reason, the NHS 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
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