Measles: cases of highly infectious illness spreading fast - this is what the measles rash looks like
Measles can cause serious complications and even death 🚨
- Cases of measles are soaring after an outbreak in London.
- The UK has lost its measles elimination status due to rising cases and low vaccine uptake.
- Measles can cause serious complications and even death.
Parents are being urged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of measles and seek medical help if they suspect their child is infected, after an outbreak across schools in North London.
Cases of the highly contagious viral infection have soared, with 96 already recorded since January 1, 2026. The majority of these cases were in London, followed by the West Midlands and the East of England.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can have serious complications, even leading to death. The UK has lost its measles elimination status after rising cases in 2024 and a drop in vaccination uptake, which is suspected to be behind the current outbreak.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications and even death. It is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The measles vaccine was introduced in 1963 and remains the best way to prevent catching it or spreading it to other people.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms tend to appear 10 to 14 days after infection. They begin with cold-like symptoms, such as a high fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat. Small white spots may also appear on the inside of the cheeks and back of the lips, before the tell-tale all-over-body rash develops.
What does a measles rash look like?
The measles rash starts behind the ears and on the face. It spreads to the rest of the body, appearing three to five days after the first signs of symptoms and lasts for several days.
The rash is red, brown and blotchy; it can be flat or slightly raised and join together into larger patches. Someone is infectious from when they first have measles symptoms, around four days before the rash appears, until four days after the rash appears.
In a post on X, the UKHSA said: “A blotchy, sometimes raised, rash is one of the signs of measles. It’s not usually itchy, and it can look different on different skin tones. If you think you or your child has measles, contact your GP practice urgently.”
Measles is highly contagious. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of measles and what a measles rash looks like at NHS.UK.