Health authorities have sounded the alarm over the disease makes your body ‘forget’ how to fight infection
Travellers have been urged to take one vital precaution before heading abroad as cases of a highly contagious Victorian-era illness surge across the UK and Europe. Health authorities have sounded the alarm over measles, with outbreaks recorded in numerous European countries, including some parts of Britain.
Officials said there have been “ongoing cases and recent outbreaks of measles in Europe and the UK”, urging travellers to familiarise themselves with symptoms and check they have received the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
It comes as Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a travel advisory ahead of the Easter Holidays after reporting a spike among young people.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily. Latest data show MMR uptake among children aged 24 months is 87.6%, which remains below the World Health Organization target of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.”
Thousands are now being asked to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the disease before embarking on any trips. The majority of UK cases have been among children aged 10 and under, with London making up two-thirds of infections.
Public Health Scotland have confirmed the current situation in Scotland after rising cases of the disease in England and Ireland.
In a statement, they wrote: “In response to an increase of measles cases across the UK and Europe since the pandemic, PHS continues to work with NHS health boards to closely monitor the number of cases in Scotland.
“As of 25 February, there have been five laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2026. There were 28 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2025, and 24 in 2024.”
These figures indicate that there isn’t a current rise in Scotland and case numbers are in line with previous years. However, experts have stressed the important of being vaccinated as the disease is highly contagious and can spread easily.
An outbreak in North London has caused much of the rising English statistics, with the highest cases recorded in Enfield, Birmingham and Haringey, the Express reports.
No measles-related deaths have been reported in England this year but experts warn that this is possible as the disease can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and vulnerable adults.
Measles was once rife in Britain before vaccination programmes drastically cut cases. However, declining vaccination rates in recent years have enabled the virus to re-emerge.
The HSE cautioned that measles is “one of the most infectious diseases”, which means outbreaks can spread swiftly when vaccination coverage falls below protective thresholds.
Measles symptoms to know
Symptoms typically emerge around 10 days after infection and initially mirror a severe cold.
Early signs include:
- aches and pains
- runny nose, sneezing and cough
- sore, red eyes sensitive to light
- fever of 38°C or above
- tiredness and loss of appetite
- small grey-white spots inside the mouth
A characteristic rash usually develops two to four days later, starting on the face or neck before spreading throughout the body.
Health officials advise that anyone uncertain about their vaccination status should contact their GP, as the MMR vaccine remains the most effective defence against measles.
The HSE also urged families to stay home and contact a doctor if they suspect infection, emphasising that infected individuals should avoid contact with others unless they are fully vaccinated.
With Easter travel on the horizon and millions preparing to fly abroad, health authorities are urging the public to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to stop the disease from spreading further across Europe.