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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.
As measles cases surge in UK schools, it’s crucial to recognize the five early signs indicating a severe illness. These symptoms often appear before the well-known rash surfaces.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that poses significant risks, particularly to children. Currently, North London is witnessing an outbreak primarily affecting kids under the age of ten.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals that since January 1st of this year, England has reported 130 confirmed measles cases. This follows 959 cases in 2025 and a staggering 2,911 in 2024, marking the highest numbers since 2012.
Health officials recently announced a swift outbreak in several North London schools, with the majority of cases among unvaccinated children younger than ten. The NHS cautions that if measles extends to other body parts like the lungs or brain, it can result in grave complications.
Possible severe outcomes include pneumonia, meningitis, vision impairment, and seizures. Between 2019 and 2025, measles was linked to 20 deaths, matching the total from 1999 to 2018.
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
The UK had declared measles “eliminated” from 2021 to 2023. However, the resurgence is largely attributed to a significant drop in vaccination coverage.
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.”
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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.”
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express
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.
