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”.

Parents are being reminded of a crucial four-day guideline following the news that the UK has lost its measles elimination status. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now identified measles, a highly contagious and potentially lethal disease, as “re-established” in the region.

From 2021 to 2023, the UK was recognized for having “eliminated” measles. However, a significant drop in vaccination rates has led to a surge in cases.

In 2024, confirmed cases of measles across the UK surged to 3,681. In 2025, England alone reported 957 cases verified by laboratory tests.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that most of these infections have occurred in unvaccinated children under 10 years old. The agency commented, “The uptake of routine childhood vaccinations has hit its lowest point in a decade, falling short of the 95% threshold needed to shield the population and curb measles outbreaks.”

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 virus spreads rapidly. Early symptoms often mimic those of a cold, followed by the development of a distinctive rash after a few days. This rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to cover the entire body.

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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.

“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