Health experts to urge Brits planning a summer getaway to ensure their vaccinations are up to date
Brits with summer holidays on the horizon have been urged to make sure they are "up-to-date" with their vaccinations. The warning comes in response to an "increase" in measles cases worldwide, including across regions of Europe and Asia.
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness that causes cold-like symptoms, red eyes and a distinctive blotchy rash. In serious cases, it can lead to severe complications including meningitis and seizures, and can prove fatal. In guidance published on the Travel Health Pro website, experts drew attention to the rise of the disease across numerous countries.
They said: "The summer holidays provide opportunity to explore different countries, head off for a city break, have a beach holiday or take the children to visit friends and family overseas.
"Good preparation and planning ahead helps ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK.
"These vaccinations include, for example measles-mumps-rubella . Measles is a risk in many countries, and there has been an increase in measles cases and outbreaks reported worldwide, including in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including Canada and the United States.
" Figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control showed that a total of 3,607 measles cases were recorded across 30 EU/EEA member states in the year following 1 April 2025. Delving deeper into the statistics, it stated: "Of 3,029 individuals with a known age and vaccination status, 2 369 were unvaccinated, 320 were vaccinated with one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, 301 were vaccinated with two or more doses, and 32 were vaccinated with an unknown number of doses.
"During the 12-month period, five deaths : 0.139 per cent) attributable to measles were reported to ECDC by France , Netherlands and Romania . " Separately, a joint report by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund revealed that measles cases across Europe reached their highest level in 2024 since 1997.
A total of 127,350 measles cases were recorded in the European Region in 2024, twice the number reported in 2023 and the greatest figure since 1997. Children aged under five accounted for more than 40 per cent of reported cases in the Region — spanning 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia. More than half of those cases required hospitalisation. A total of 38 deaths have been recorded, according to preliminary data received as of 6 March 2025.
The resurgence has been attributed to declining vaccination rates. Dr Hans P Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, warned: "Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security. As we shape our new regional health strategy for Europe and Central Asia, we cannot afford to lose ground.
"Every country must step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities. The measles virus never rests-and neither can we.
" Measles cases are also climbing across the UK. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency showed that in 2024, there were 2,911 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England — the highest yearly total recorded since 2012. In 2025, there were a total of 959 laboratory-confirmed measles cases. Data for 2023 to 2025 and historical data are available.
Between 1 January 2026 and 11 May 2026, there have been 542 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England, an increase of 65 cases since the last report on 27 April 2026. Symptoms The virus transmits very quickly. Initial symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold, with a distinctive rash emerging several days afterwards. The first symptoms of measles can include: The rash initially appears on the face and behind the ears, subsequently spreading across the entire body.
Occasionally, the spots associated with the measles rash become raised and merge, creating blotchy patches. These are typically not itchy. The NHS cautions that measles can trigger severe complications should it migrate to other bodily areas, particularly the lungs or brain. Potential consequences include pneumonia, meningitis, loss of vision, and convulsions.
In the most serious instances, the disease can be life-threatening. How to prevent the spread Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You’re infectious from when you first have symptoms until four days after you get the rash.
The NHS advises that to curb the transmission of the infection, individuals must remain absent from educational institutions or workplaces for a minimum of four days following the emergence of the rash. According to its website, the guidance states: "Stay off nursery, school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears. Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
" However, the initial step if you or your child develops measles is to arrange an urgent consultation with your GP. The NHS advises: "Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in.
“They may suggest talking over the phone or arrange for you to come to a part of the surgery where you’re separated from others. You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online. ” After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. It can help to: Vaccination Having the MMRV or MMR vaccine is the “best way” to prevent measles.
The NHS says: “Both vaccines also protect you from mumps and rubella, and the MMRV vaccine also protects you from chickenpox.
“The MMRV vaccine is offered to all young children in the UK. The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults and older children if they were not vaccinated when they were younger. ” Ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child has had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.
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