Measles is a highly infectious viral condition that can affect anyone that hasn’t been vaccinated, said the NHS. The infection can be very unpleasant, and can cause cold-like symptoms and small spots on the inside of the cheeks. Left untreated, measles can develop into some deadly conditions, including pneumonia. The number of measles cases in England and Wales has increased 391 per cent over the past day, it’s been revealed.
Eighty-six people became infected with measles in England and Wales between March 10 and 17, according to latest Public Health England figures.
That’s almost a 400 per cent rise on the 22 cases reported the week before, between March 3 and 10.
More than half of the cases were reported in London, and Hackney was the largest hot spot.
Some 23 measles cases were reported in the London district – more than the entire East of England, South East and South West altogether.
Barnet reported nine cases over the past seven days, while four cases were reported in Islington.
Outside of London, the South East and North West both had 10 measles cases, while the East Midlands had four.
Both the South West and West Midlands had the lowest number of cases reported, each with one.
You could be at risk of measles symptoms if you suddenly develop a runny or blocked nose, swollen eyelids or small grey-coloured spots on the inside of the mouth.
“The measles rash appears around two to four days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week,” said the NHS.
“You’ll usually feel most ill on the first or second day after the rash develops.
“The rash is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches.
“Contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child has measles, even if you’re not completely sure.”
The best way to avoid becoming infected with measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR jab is part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme. But, you could be vaccinated at any time if you haven’t been vaccinated before.
If you already have measles, or a measles rash, you should do your best to avoid spreading the infection to other people.
Avoid going to work or school for at least four days from when you first developed the measles rash, and avoid coming into contact with people that are most vulnerable.
