Local health organisations are warning people to make sure their vaccinations are up to date and be alert for measles after we are now starting to see clusters of confirmed measles cases in the region.
Monthly data published today by the UK Health Security Agency shows 64 cases of measles have been reported in the North West since January 2025. In previous years for the North West, there were 99 confirmed cases of measles in 2024 and 8 cases in 2023.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with partners in local authority public health teams and the NHS to monitor the situation, provide advice and support local communities to be aware of action they can take to protect themselves, including getting vaccinated.
Dr Merav Kliner, Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, said:
“Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. It can be a serious infection that can lead to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
“With declines in childhood vaccine uptake, including MMR, observed in many countries around the world over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now seeing the impact of this with large measles outbreaks globally including recently in Europe and England last year. We are concerned that we will see more measles outbreaks, especially over the summer months as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where diseases are endemic or outbreaks are occurring.
“That is why it is important that anyone travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially parents of young children, check that all members of their family are up to date with all their vaccines, especially MMR vaccines.”
“Parents should be aware that measles is a nasty illness for most children and sadly, for some, can be very serious and life changing, but it is completely preventable. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. I strongly urge parents to take up the offer as soon as possible and protect their child now.
“It is also important to be aware of what symptoms to look out for, as the measles virus is highly infectious.”
Symptoms of measles appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus and include:
- cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
- high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40OC / 104OF
- a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones
- small white spots may appear inside cheeks and the back of lips (for a few days)
More information about the symptoms can be found here: Measles – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning at NHS England – North West said:
“The MMR vaccine is the best way we can protect children from measles, which is highly contagious and can be very dangerous in some cases.
“Last week, many North West school-aged children, who are yet to have one or both of the MMR vaccines, started to receive invitations from the NHS to book a catch-up appointment.
“The recent increase in cases is worrying, but measles is a preventable disease, and two doses of the vaccine is enough to give lifelong protection from measles, mumps and rubella, so please take up the offer of vaccination if your child has yet to have one, or both of the vaccines.
“Ensuring yourself and your child are fully vaccinated against measles is really important. It not only protects you and your family against the illness, but it also protects those who you come into contact with who may be vulnerable – such as babies, toddlers and the elderly.”
Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. People in certain groups, including babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.
If you or a family member develops any symptoms of measles contact your GP by phone. Please do not go to your GP, walk-in centre or any other healthcare setting without calling ahead, as measles is very infectious.
