Glastonbury attendees urged to get MMR jab following measles warning

Festivalgoers have been urged to get a measles mumps and rubella (MMR) jab before heading to this year's Glastonbury, after experts warned of a potential measles outbreak. 

According to ITV News, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that a number of "highly infectious illnesses" are currently circulating the South West of England and London. 

The UK government published a warning last week (June 5) of a measles outbreak in the UK as people head on holiday this summer; UKHSA data revealed that there were 86 cases of measles in the UK in May and 109 cases in April.

London has seen the highest number so far this year, making up 39% of 420 confirmed cases of measles since January 1.

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As hundreds of thousands of attendees prepare to descend on Somerset in two weeks time, the agency has warned that festivals provide an ideal breeding ground for measles, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and more.

“We want festivalgoers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year," UKHSA South West's Health Protection consultant Dr Alasdair Wood told ITV News. "Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible."

“Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you’re not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival," he continues. “If you feel unwell or have been advised to isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so." 

According to the NHS, measles usually start with "cold-like symptoms" including a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red or sore eyes — a rash often appears a few days after the onset, starting with the ears. Some people complain of "white spots" inside the cheeks and on the back on the lips.

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Measles spreads through breathing, coughing and sneezing, so it is recommended that anyone suffering with cold-like symptoms should wash their hands often with soap and water, use tissues when coughing/sneezing, and to dispose of tissues straight away. 

Though the best way to avoid infection is immunisation, the MMR vaccine can be given at any age and it is recommended that if you didn't receive an MMR vaccine as a child, that you contact your GP and arrange a jab.

People born between 1970 and 1990 in particular have been urged to get in touch with a doctor, as the age group may have not received doses to protect against all three infections. 

For more information and guidance on measles from the UK government, click here.

[Via: ITV News]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter