Officials are concerned that the infection, which can lead to serious complications, spreads easily through the air via sneezes, coughs and exhalations. They said it could see an uptick when schools break up for the summer and children mingle during the holidays.
Measles has an estimated “R” number of around 18, which means that, on average, a single infected person passes the infection on to 18 others. Covid has a natural “R” number of about three.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family.
“Measles cases are picking up again in England, and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
“Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child, and it’s not something you want to experience when away on holiday.”
People who have the two doses of the MMR vaccine, which are safe and effective, are not only protecting themselves but also helping protect others who are unvaccinated, such as young babies.
Health officials said parents could check their child’s “red book”, a national record given to parents or carers to document a child’s health and development, to see if they are fully protected.
Adults can check their vaccination status by contacting their GP or checking in the NHS app, although not everyone’s complete immunisation data is live on the app.
