There are five signs of a potentially deadly disease to look out for amid an outbreak in UK schools. These “early” symptoms of measles can appear before a rash.

Measles is aninfection that spreads very quickly and can cause serious problems in some people. Children are most vulnerable, with a current outbreak in North London most prevalent in those under 10.

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 130 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England since January 1 this year. In 2025, there were 959 cases reported and in 2024, there were 2,911, the highest number of cases recorded annually since 2012

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Earlier this month, health officials confirmed a fast-spreading outbreak in several North London schools, primarily affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10. On its website, the NHS cautions that measles can trigger severe complications if it spreads to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs or brain.

Potential severe side effects include pneumonia, meningitis, loss of vision, and convulsions. Between 2019 and 2025, there were a total of 20 deaths attributed to measles, matching the figure recorded during the 19-year period from 1999 to 2018.

Between 2021 and 2023, the UK was considered to have successfully "eliminated" measles. The return of infections has been linked to a significant drop in vaccination uptake.

In January, the UKHSA said: "Uptake of the routine childhood vaccinations is the lowest it has been in a decade and is well below the 95 per cent uptake needed to protect the population and prevent measles outbreaks. This is giving measles a chance to get a foothold in our communities."

Most people are familiar with the fact that measles can cause a rash. However, you may not realise that there are some other warning signs that can appear first.

The NHS says that 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.

The first symptoms of measles include:

• A high temperature
• A runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• A cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes

Characteristics of a measles rash:

• 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
• The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin

You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you or your child may have measles. The NHS says: “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.”

Measles is transmitted when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The infectious period begins when symptoms first appear (approximately four days before the rash emerges) and continues until four days after the rash has developed.

To limit the spread of the infection, the NHS recommends staying away from school or work for at least four days after the onset of the rash.

Guidance on its website 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."

Additional preventative measures recommended by the NHS include:

• Opening windows and doors to help reduce the risk of measles spreading – only open the top window or use safety catches if you have young children
• Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water
• Using tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of them immediately
• Avoiding sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

The best method of protection from measles is the MMR vaccine. 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. You should ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had either of these vaccines. Your GP can vaccinate you for free on the NHS.