25 May 2023 , 19:23
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An urgent warning has been issued to UK holidaymakers over the outbreak of a Victorian disease in 17 EU countries.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in 17 countries in the WHO European region.
Dr Jose Hagan, Team Lead for Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization at WHO/Europe said: "All countries, including those verified as having eliminated endemic transmission of measles, must be vigilant for possible importation and spread of this highly contagious disease.
In Britain, the UK Health Security Agency said: "Most of the cases have been in London, although there have been cases picked up across the country and some are linked to travel abroad."
Global stats show Tajikistan has the highest number of cases with over 600, followed by Turkey with 466 and the Russian Federation on 414, reports Birmingham Live.
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The UK is fourth with 67, followed by Serbia on 40. Other nations on the list include Austria, Poland, France and Belgium.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms or a high temperature , followed by a rash a few days later (Getty Images)"There is no question, we're going to see a surge of cases if things continue this way," Prof Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, told The Sun.
"So far, we've only seen limited outbreaks across the country, but we're likely to see more," she added.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
Childhood vaccination rates against measles, mumps and rubella has dropped to just 85.5 per cent (Getty Images)The first symptoms of measles include a a high temperature and a runny or blocked nose, as well as sneezing and a cough and maybe red, sore, watery eyes.
The NHS says small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
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.
When is MMR vaccine given?
Vials of Priorix, Synflorix and Hexyon children's vaccines, which combat diseases incuding mealses, mumps, rubella and chicken pox (Getty Images)In the UK, the first MMR is usually given to infants at around 12 months of age, with a second dose given before school, to ensure best protection.
In some circumstances, such as travel to a country where measles is common or during an outbreak, MMR can be given to babies from six months of age.
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Ask your health professional for advice on the best option for your child before you travel.
Two doses of MMR in a lifetime are needed for a person to be considered fully protected.
What are the five 'serious' symptoms of measles?
If you spot any of these five serious symptoms, you should isolate the patient from others until their symptoms fade.
There are no cures for measles, you can only treat the symptoms.
As such, ensure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids and takes paracetamol at the proper intervals.
Serious signs of measles in children are:
- Deterioration in their clinical condition
- Persistent or prolonged fever
- Rejection of food or water which may lead to dehydration
- Severe respiratory symptoms with a fall in blood oxygen saturation
- Signs of meningitis: headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, dislike of bright light (photophobia) etc.
General signs of measles in children include:
- A raised temperature which may occur before the rash appears
- Cough
- Sore throat
- A flat red rash starting on the face and chest progressing to the rest of the body. The spots are usually discrete but can run together
- Small white spots occurring inside the mouth, usually inside the cheeks or on the palate.
The NHS advises you to call a doctor if there are any of the concerning signs outlined above. This is more appropriate than going to the local A & E to protect other ill and vulnerable patients.