An increase in measles cases across South East London 2025
Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and can spread rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. The UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) is concerned that outbreaks may occur in summer due to families with unvaccinated adults and children travelling to countries where there are outbreaks.
We are continuing to see an increase in measles in South East London. Measles, characterised by a rash, is a highly contagious virus that can be contracted by direct contact with an infected person or by them coughing and sneezing and infecting the air. Other symptoms include a runny nose, red eyes, a cough, inflamed tonsils, small white spots inside the cheeks, and an increasing high temperature.
Cherrie Hinds, interim deputy director of infection prevention and control stress that it is important that we are aware of the tell-tale signs of measles: ‘’It is a rash that starts behind the ears and spreads over the face and body. The rash consists of flat red or brown blotches which can flow into each other and it feels bumpy when you run your fingers over it.
Measles can be caught at any age - if you suspect that you or a member of your family has measles you should phone (not visit) your GP without delay. Because the virus is highly contagious, please avoid going to hospital unless told to do so by your GP since there are other patients – such as those with low immune systems and pregnant women – who could suffer complications if they came into contact with an infected person.
If you do attend hospital, please ensure that you inform the reception staff in order that you can be managed appropriately”.
For further information on the condition and immunisation, please refer to: