'Check your child’s MMR now': warning to parents as cases of measles continue to climb after outbreak
Measles can cause serious complications or even death 🚨
- Cases of measles are continuing to climb after an outbreak in London
- Measles can cause serious complications and even death.
- Parents are being urged to check their child’s vaccine status.
- The UK has lost its measles elimination status due to rising cases and low vaccine uptake.
Parents are being urged to check their child’s vaccination status as cases of measles continue to surge after an outbreak across schools in North London.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can have serious complications, even leading to death. Cases of the highly contagious viral infection have soared, with 130 already recorded since January 1, 2026. Of that number, 83 were reported in the last four weeks up to February 8.
The majority of these cases were in London (68%), followed by the West Midlands (22%) and the East of England.
The measles vaccine is still the best method of protection; however, the UK has lost its measles elimination status after rising cases in 2024 and a drop in vaccination uptake, which is suspected to be fuelling the current outbreak.
How to prevent measles?
Dr Rashi Malhotra, GP at online pharmacy Chemist4U, has outlined seven ways to protect you and your family from catching measles.
Check vaccination records
The most important step is to make sure your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide around 97-99% protection, compared to 93-95% after one dose. If you’re unsure about their status, your GP practice can check the records for you.
Don't forget adults
It’s not just children, some adults may have missed out on the measles vaccine in childhood. If you’re unsure of your own vaccination status, especially before travelling or if there’s an outbreak near you.
Know the early signs
The earlier you know the signs, the sooner you can get treatment. Measles often starts like a common cold, with a fever, runny nose, cough, and red watery eyes with a discharge (conjunctivitis).
A few days later, a red-brown, blotchy rash typically appears. It often starts behind your ears or on your face and neck before spreading downwards to your body. The rash may look flat in some areas and slightly raised in others, and can merge as it spreads. Small white spots can also appear inside your mouth before the rash appears.
Keep unwell children at home
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air through coughs and sneezes. Children should stay out of school or nursery for at least four days after the rash has appeared.
Manage symptoms carefully at home
If your child becomes unwell, make sure they get plenty of rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen at age-appropriate doses can help reduce fever and discomfort.
Seek urgent medical advice if there are signs of difficulty in breathing, persistent high fever, drowsiness, dehydration, convulsions or if your child seems significantly worse. It is better to be checked by a health professional because of the complications of measles, especially if you are concerned.
Seek advice quickly
If your child has been in contact with a confirmed case and isn’t fully vaccinated, contact your GP or seek medical help as soon as possible. In some cases, early vaccination after exposure may reduce the severity of the illness.
Don’t be misled by vaccine myths
The MMR and MMRV vaccines have been studied extensively over decades and are proven to be safe and effective, as well as the best form of protection from measles.
Dr Malhorta said: “The measles outbreak affecting children in parts of North London is concerning. Measles isn’t simply a childhood rash that children ‘get over’; it’s an incredibly infectious virus that can cause complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation and hospitalisation, particularly in young children and those who aren’t fully vaccinated.
“When vaccination rates fall below the 95% threshold needed for ‘herd immunity’, outbreaks become far more likely, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing. Measles is a preventable illness, so rising case numbers should act as a wake-up call for communities where vaccination uptake has declined.
“As a GP, my message to parents and carers is simple: there are straightforward, evidence-based steps you can take right now to protect your family and those around you.”
Cases of measles are rising. You can find out more about symptoms and how to book a measles vaccine at NHS.UK.