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Measles symptoms to look out for after spike in UK cases

Home> Life> Parenting

Published 17:05 18 Jan 2024 GMT

Measles symptoms to look out for after spike in UK cases

The highly contagious infection appears to be spreading amongst children in Britain

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

Apparently, it's not just the 'January blues' we've got to battle this new year, after health experts have issued Brits with a warning about an outbreak of measles.

This extremely contagious infection has been somewhat viewed as a 'thing of the past' in recent years, with the majority of people living in the UK at the moment having received the recommended MMR vaccine as a youngster.

The best means of prevention is to have the MMR virus.
Getty/Ed Maynard

The rate in which kids are being immunised by this double-dose jab - which also protects against mumps and rubella - is dropping lower and lower each year, however, which has likely led to a spread of infection.

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In fact, medics at Birmingham Children's Hospital are experiencing they're highest number of cases in years, reportedly treating as many as 50 children in the last 30 days.

There were just 360 instances of measles across the entirety of the UK back in 2021, compared to a colossal digit of 1,603 last year.

The UK Health Security Agency is now urging parents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the viral infection being that young children at the most at risk.

Children with measles will exhibit a red rash.
Getty/rbkomar

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A statement by the body earlier this month reads: "We are currently seeing the number of cases of measles and mumps increasing in all parts of the country. "Measles in particular can be a very serious disease for some children and tragically it can even cause fatalities."

What exactly should mums and dads be looking for in terms of signs and symptoms then?

Well, apparently, the first clue your child could be suffering from measles is if they're exhibiting cold-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, a cough, frequent sneezing, or sore eyes.

However, what distinguishes this infection from the common cold, is that your child will likely bear some white spots on the inside of their mouth.

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The first few symptoms are usually the same as a common cold.
Westend61/Getty

They'll also likely exhibit a red rash across their face and body.

When it comes to how you can prepare to treat your tot, there isn't actually much you can do as a parent.

The UKHSA suggests mums and dads first make sure they take their child to see a GP, being sure to keep them hydrated and giving them the child's recommended amount of paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're in pain.

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Ear and eye infections are usually treated with a course of antibiotics, and the NHS advises parents to gently remove any crusts from the eyes using cotton wool.

Doctors are in turn promoting means of preventing infection, with the most effective means of protecting your child reportedly being to vaccinate them.

Parents should take their child to their GP if they notice any symptoms.
Marina Demidiuk/Getty

If you're someone that opted not be be inoculated, however, you can reduce your risk of infection by regularly washing your hands with soap and water, using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes and throwing used tissues straight into the bin.

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Avoiding shared use of items such as knives and forks, towels, clothes and bedding can also prevent infection.

Featured Image Credit: Stock Planets/Bilanol/Getty Images

Topics: Health, Parenting

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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