Warning to Travelers as Measles Cases Rise
Families traveling abroad or visiting relatives this summer are warned of the surge in measles cases in Europe and other regions. Measles infections in Europe are at a 25-year high, while cases are also increasing in countries such as Pakistan and Nigeria.
Vaccination Rates Remain Low
The vaccination rates for children in the UK, which provide protection against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), are still far below the recommended 95% target, with the lowest regional rates in London at just over 73%. The UK health authority is warning vacationers to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations and emphasizing that it is never too late to be vaccinated.
Ongoing Outbreak in England
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency on measles infections shows that an outbreak is ongoing in England. Around 109 cases were confirmed in April and 86 in May, mainly in children under the age of 10. London has reported almost half of all cases in the past four weeks.
Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, an advisory epidemiologist, says the increase in cases in England reflects what’s happening abroad, and this is a concern as the summer vacation period approaches. "It is essential that everyone, especially parents of young children, is up to date with two MMR jabs, especially if they are traveling on holiday or visiting family this summer," Dr. Saliba said. Measles spreads very easily and can be a severe disease that leads to complications such as ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and experiencing lifelong consequences.
European Cases Reach 25-Year High
The decline in vaccination rates in the UK, especially since the Covid pandemic, has been reflected in other countries, particularly in Europe. The World Health Organization and Unicef reported 127,350 measles cases in the European region in 2024 – twice as many cases as were reported in the previous year and the highest number since 1997. This year, there have been outbreaks in several other European countries popular with UK travelers, including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.
Countries with High Measles Cases
The WHO has also reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nigeria currently have the largest number of measles cases worldwide.
Catching Up on Vaccinations
There has been significant progress in improving MMR vaccination rates across the UK, but more work needs to be done. Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, says too many babies and small children are still not protected against infectious diseases that can spread very easily and cause serious health problems. "MMR jabs are provided free of charge as part of the NHS routine immunization program – and I would encourage all parents to respond to invitations or check their child’s vaccination records if they think they may have missed a vaccination."
Never Too Late to Vaccinate
Health experts say that anyone, regardless of their age, who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, can contact their GP practice to make an appointment, and it is never too late to catch up.
What are Measles and What are the Symptoms?
Measles is a highly contagious disease spread by coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms include high fever, sore, red, and watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and sneeze. Small white spots can appear in the mouth. A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Measles usually clears up within seven to ten days, but it can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. Babies and small children, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk. Measles can be fatal, but that’s rare.
