BRITAIN could be on the verge of a measles outbreak after two major cities reported cases of the highly-contagious bug.
Leeds and Liverpool health services have both been struck down by the viral infection and Greater Manchester is braced it could be next.
Measles is highly contagious disease that can be prevented by having the vaccination, offered by the NHS as a single measles, mumps and rubella jab.
A tweet by NHS Choices said: “There is an outbreak of measles in both Leeds and Liverpool.
“This infectious viral illness is easily spread and can lead to complications.
“Ask your GP about the vaccine if you, or your children, haven’t had 2 doses.”
As health bosses in Manchester worry the outbreak may have spread to their region, those who have come into close contact with someone suffering from measles is being urged to contact their doctor, the reports.
Anyone who might suspect they have the infection is advised to stay at home and call their GP or NHS 111.
The World Health Organisation has previously warned of a measles outbreak sweeping through Europe.
The large-scale outbreaks are happening in countries where immunisation rates have dropped, the agency said.
WHAT IS MEASLES? HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.
It’s now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination.
Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before.
It usually clears in 7 to 10 days but can lead to other serious complications.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms include:
- cold-like symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and a cough
- sore, red eyes
- fever
- small grey-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
- aches and pains
A few days later a red-brown, blotchy rash will appear, usually beginning on the head or upper neck before spreading.
You’ll most likely feel most ill the first few days the rash appears.
Complications:
About one in every 5,000 people will die from measles.
Complications are more likely to develop in:
- babies younger than a year old
- children with a poor diet
- children with a weakened immune system
The most common complications include diarrhoea and vomiting, ear infections, eye infection, pneumonia and bronchitis.
But measles can also lead to other complications, although these are rare:
- hepatitis
- brain infections
- eye problems and vision loss
- heart and nervous system problems
- miscarriage or still birth
- premature birth
- low birth weight
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment.
Your GP will probably suggest resting at home and waiting for it to clear.
You can ease your symptoms with pain killers, but always speak to your GP first.
You can avoid measles by getting vaccinated.
One dose of vaccine can be given to a baby when they are 12-13 months old and a second before they start school.
Countries where vaccination levels are higher have less chance of the disease spreading.
Source: NHS Choices
It’s now uncommon in the UK because of high vaccination rates.
As a result it is unlikely a widespread outbreak will happen, but smaller, localised cases could happen in parts where large numbers of kids and babies have not had their vaccine.
Anyone can get measles if they haven’t already had it, but it is more common in young children.
It starts with cold like symptoms before a rash develops a few days later.
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The rash looks like small, red-brown blotches and can make a person feel very unwell.
Severe complications can occur, including miscarriage in pregnant women, brain swelling and the risk of death from pneumonia.
The virus is spread through coughing and sneezing and through close contact with infected individuals.
Currently, the biggest outbreaks are in Romania and Italy.
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