Measles: This is what you need to look out for as the number of cases is on the rise

Cases of measles are on the rise in the South West of England according to Public Health England (PHE), with 79 instances reported since the start of the year.

A warning was issued by the body to residents of Bristol last week after the number of cases in the city increased dramatically, as reported in Bristol Live .

This followed on from a nationwide announcement made in April cautioning people to check if they had already received two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

It it thought the rise is connected to an ongoing outbreak in Europe.

So, what is measles, how can you catch it and is it treatable?

Here is everything you need to know, according to the Mirror Online:

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you are infected, according to the NHS.

These are the ones to watch out for:

• cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40° C (104° F)
• small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
• loss of appetite
• tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

The measles rash appears around two to four days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.

You will usually feel most ill on the first or second day after the rash develops.

According to the NHS, the rash:

• is slightly itchy for some people
• can look similar to other childhood conditions, such as slapped cheek syndrome, roseola or rubella
• is unlikely to be caused by measles if the person has been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) or had measles before

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccination is a combined treatment which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and is available to all adults and children who have not completed the course.The full course requires two doses.

Children should be given the MMR vaccine when they are one-years-old. They will have the second injection before starting school, usually at three-years-and-four-months-old.

If you or your child have not been vaccinated it is not too late, and doctors are urging anyone who has never had the jab to get themselves vaccinated.

If you're not sure about your vaccination status, check with your GP.

Is there a treatment for measles?

There is no specific treatment, but the body’s immune system should be able to fight off the illness within a couple of weeks.

However, in severe cases hospital admission may be required.

The NHS recommends paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains.

You should also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and stay off school or work for four days after the rash appears.

How can I prevent it?

The most effective way is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

To prevent a measles outbreak doctors recommend that at least 95% of the population is immunised.