As Britons prepare for their summer holidays, with many jetting overseas, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a stark warning about a potential measles surge.

Health officials are particularly concerned about the risk of importing cases from Europe, where measles infections have doubled.

The agency highlighted that measles cases across the European region reached 127,350 in 2024, twice the number recorded in 2023 and the highest figure since 1997.

This dramatic increase has prompted urgent calls for British families to ensure their MMR vaccinations are complete before travelling.

The warning comes as England continues to grapple with ongoing measles outbreaks, recording 109 confirmed cases in April and 86 in May, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.

The current situation represents England's largest measles outbreak since 2012, which peaked between autumn 2023 and summer 2024. While case numbers have declined from last year's peak, localised outbreaks persist.

Health officials emphasised that measles remains "one of the most highly infectious diseases", spreading rapidly among those without vaccine protection.

Major outbreaks have struck several European holiday destinations popular with British tourists.

Unvaccinated children aged 10 and under are most affected in England's current measles outbreak

France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are all experiencing significant measles transmission, according to UKHSA data.

The World Health Organisation recently identified Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria as having "some of the world's largest measles outbreaks". These global hotspots pose additional risks for international travellers.

The European outbreak represents a dramatic reversal after decades of progress. Since the measles vaccine's introduction in 1968, at least 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK alone.

UKHSA attributed the resurgence to declining MMR vaccine uptake over the past decade, a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to routine immunisation programmes.

Major outbreaks have struck popular European holiday destinations

Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Vanessa Saliba, urged families to verify their vaccination status.

"It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family," she stated.

"Measles cases are picking up again in England, and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK."

She warned that the "nasty disease" can spread very quickly and may cause severe complications, including ear and chest infections and brain inflammation, with some children requiring hospitalisation and suffering life-long consequences.

"Nobody wants this for their child, and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday," she added.

The MMR vaccine is "the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles", offering approximately 99 per cent protection against measles and rubella after two doses.

Babies under one year and immunocompromised individuals cannot receive the vaccine, relying on community immunity for protection.

Dr Saliba concluded: "It is never too late to catch up. If you're not sure if any of your family members are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don't put it off and regret it later."

According to NHS guidance, measles typically begins with symptoms resembling a common cold before a distinctive rash emerges several days later.

Initial symptoms include elevated body temperature, nasal congestion or discharge, sneezing, coughing, and inflamed, watery eyes.

Small white spots may develop inside the mouth within days of initial symptoms. The NHS noted that these appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips, and typically persist for several days.

The characteristic rash emerges after cold-like symptoms, beginning on the face and behind the ears before extending across the body.

These spots can merge into blotchy patches and appear brown or red on white skin, though they may be less visible on darker skin tones.

For more information on measles, mumps and rubella, see the UKHSA resource: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet.