Grim Victorian disease that 'starts with cold symptoms' is spreading

Parents and carers in one UK area have been warned a "highly infectious" disease is doing the rounds, with a runny or blocked nose often being the first symptom. Schools in Merseyside have sent out alerts to parents and carers, while a council in the region has issued a reminder today (Monday) that vaccines are available.

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council's Director of Public Health, has penned letters to headteachers, parents, and carers across the borough regarding the current measles spread, according to a council spokesperson. These letters emphasise that measles is a severe illness that can affect both children and adults, and that the MMR vaccination offers the best protection.

The initial symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, high temperature, cough, sneezing, and red, sore, watery eyes. A rash typically appears a few days later, beginning on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

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The rash spots can sometimes be raised and merge to form blotchy patches, and they're usually not itchy. The rash appears brown or red on white skin and may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin, according to NHS guidance.

It adds: "It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before." If you suspect that you or your child may have measles, it's crucial to contact 111 or request an urgent GP appointment.

This is particularly important if your child is under one year old and has been in contact with someone who has measles, or if you've been in close contact with a measles patient and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Urgent medical advice should also be sought if you or your child have a high temperature that hasn't dropped after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen; if you or your child are experiencing difficulty breathing – feeling more short of breath than usual; if your baby or young child isn't feeding well, or taking fewer feeds or fluids than usual; if you or your child are urinating less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies); or if you or your child feel very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong.

Anyone diagnosed with measles should stay home from work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. Children and adults of any age can contact their GP to receive a free MMR vaccination.