Measles symptoms you should know and when to call 999

The infection can be prevented by having the MMR vaccine.

If you do get measles, it’s worth knowing the symptoms to look out for, when you need to call for medical help and how to avoid spreading it further.

The NHS website explains: “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.”

‘Big measles outbreak’ reported in London in 2026

A “big measles outbreak” in parts of London is affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.

It said the outbreak in schools and nurseries in north-east London had left some children requiring hospital treatment.

The agency had previously reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from January 1 to February 9.

Now, more than 60 suspected cases of measles have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, the Sunday Times reports.

What are the measles symptoms you should know about?

Cold-like symptoms can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough or red, sore and watery eyes.

You might start to notice small white spots in the mouth, including inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. It’s not unusual for these spots to last for a few days.

Once you’ve had the cold-like symptoms for a few days, you will probably start to develop a rash, which usually starts on the face and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body, the NHS explains.

The rash isn’t usually itchy, and sometimes the measles rash can be raised and join other parts to make blotchy patches.

On white skin, the rash often looks red or brown, but it can sometimes be harder to see on black or brown skin.

The NHS adds: “It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.”

When should you ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 999?

The NHS outlines when you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111, including if:

• you think you or your child may have measles
• your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles
• you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system
• you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
• your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
• you or your child are weeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
• you or your child feels very unwell, or you’re worried something is seriously wrong

The health service added: “Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

“You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online .”

You should call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has measles and:

• have a seizure (fit)
• severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage)
• are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds
• suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop
• your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face
• a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
• a stiff neck or find light uncomfortable or painful

How is measles spread?

Measles will spread when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes or breathes.

The NHS said: “You’re infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.”

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If you have measles, it’s advised that you wash your hands often using soap and warm water, use tissues to cough and sneeze into and throw them away in the bin when finished with them.

It’s important that you avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes and bedding.

You can find out more about measles via the NHS website (linked above).