Hull parents are being warned to make sure they and their children are protected against measles after more than 70 cases were reported in Yorkshire.

With 757 cases now reported in parts of the UK - including 73 in Yorkshire and the Humber since January - Public Health England is advising people travelling to Europe this summer to ensure their families are vaccinated properly before heading off on their holidays.

Large numbers of cases were recorded in Italy, France and Greece as well as in Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia and Albania.

Janet Cairns, head of midwifery at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, has also warned pregnant women to be extra careful, reminding people that catching measles during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature labour.

She said: “Now is the right time to check if you and your family are vaccinated against the risk of measles.

“GPs can advise and give vaccines to anyone who has not been adequately protected. Two doses of the MMR vaccine can prevent more than 95 per cent of cases of measles, mumps and rubella, which was known as German measles.

“If you are pregnant and have been in contact with someone with measles, which is infectious from a few days before the rash appears, please contact your GP or midwife, who can request a blood test to check whether you are immune.”

What is measles?

According to NHS Choices, measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It is now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination.

Anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated or they have not had it before, although it is most common in young children.

The infection usually clears in around 7 to 10 days.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of measles can include:

  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • watery eyes
  • swollen eyelids
  • sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
  • a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
  • small greyish-white spots in the mouth (see below)
  • aches and pains
  • a cough
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy

A day or two before the rash appears, many people with measles develop small greyish-white spots in their mouth.

Not everyone with measles has these spots but if someone has them in addition to the other symptoms listed above or a rash, it is highly likely they have the condition.

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The spots will usually last for a few days. The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 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.

The rash

  • is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches
  • usually first appears on the head or neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body 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 2 doses of the MMR vaccine) or had measles before

When should you seek medical advice?

  • You should contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child may have measles.
  • It is best to phone before your visit as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
  • You should also see your GP if you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) or have not had the infection before – even if you do not have any symptoms.

There is much more information about measles on the NHS Choices website.

Visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/30/general-advice-for-travellers for advice on keeping you and your family save overseas this summer.

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