Little-known measles symptoms you need to watch out for as cases surge in parts of US

Measles has been dominating the health headlines recently, thanks to recent surges in cases around the world.

Last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an eerie warning about the disease, meanwhile England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were stripped of their elimination status'.

Such has also been ruled the case with five other countries in Europe and central Asia - Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan - who previously bore the same esteemed health status.

Meanwhile, cases in the US are also surging, with doctors and experts warning about the uptick in patients suffering with the disease.

This year alone, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases, which is nearly half the number reported in 2025.

Paediatrician Stuart Simko, from South Carolina, explained he had seen 'very sick' children from the illness.

"It's a terrible, terrible disease that can cause mortality, and we don't say that to scare people, but people need to know the risks," Simko told the BBC.

"It is hard to see a sick child knowing that it could be prevented."

In the past few months, 847 people have been infected in South Carolina, which is the biggest outbreak since the disease was eliminated.

There have been surges of measles around the world (Getty Stock Photo)

With experts issuing warnings about what to look out for, there are some lesser known symptoms of the illness that are important to be aware of.

According to the NHS, the first symptoms of measles include:

• a high temperature
• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• red, sore, watery eyes

Meanwhile, one lesser known symptom includes small spots in the mouth which tend to appear a few days after the initial symptoms.

The NHS explains: "A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

"The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.

"The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin."

There are some lesser known signs to look out for (Getty Stock Photo)

If you're concerned that you have measles, it's important to seek medical advice immediately.

It's crucial to also seek help if a child under one has come into contact with the disease of if you have been in contact with someone with measles and are pregnant.

Measles in pregnancy can be particularly dangerous. It can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, premature birth and low birthweight.