'Call 111 urgently' if you spot this skin symptom amid UKHSA alert

People have been issued an urgent warning to "call 111 urgently" if they notice a particular skin symptom. This sign could indicate measles, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Measles is an extremely infectious disease most recognised for producing a distinctive rash. The condition poses particular risks to infants and young children, potentially leading to severe complications including pneumonia and seizures if not identified promptly.

Taking to social media platform X, the UKHSA highlighted the characteristic rash associated with measles. The agency stated: "A blotchy, sometimes raised, rash is one of the signs of measles.

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"It's not usually itchy, and it can look different on different skin tones. If you think you or your child has measles, call your GP practice or NHS 111 urgently."

This alert follows a concerning surge in measles cases across the UK in recent years. Data reveals there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England during 2024, marking the highest annual total since 2012.

By August, there had already been 742 confirmed cases recorded this year. One child has also died with measles in the UK during this period.

European measles cases have similarly reached alarming levels, with figures doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year, totalling an extraordinary 127,350 reported cases. This represents the highest figure recorded since 1997.

Outbreaks have been reported in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also revealed that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria are currently among the countries with the highest number of measles cases worldwide.

Vaccines

The UKHSA has previously attributed the rise in cases across England to a drop in vaccination rates. In June this year, it stated: "In England, the decline of the uptake of childhood vaccinations including MMR in the past decade (well below the WHO 95 per cent target) means that many thousands of children are left unprotected with the risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools."

London ranked lowest for MMR vaccinations compared to other regions in England, with a five-year uptake rate of just 73.3 per cent against the English average of 83.9 per cent. The UKHSA cautioned: "The UKHSA is concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks.

"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 have received both their MMR vaccines."

By getting vaccinated, individuals not only safeguard themselves but also contribute to the protection of others who are unable to receive the vaccine, such as infants under one year and those with weakened immune systems, who are at a greater risk of severe illness and complications from measles.

Symptoms

The primary signs of measles include high fever, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, followed by a rash after these initial symptoms. Without immediate medical attention, measles can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications like pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures (fits).

If you suspect that you or your child may have measles, it's crucial to seek an urgent GP appointment or call 111.