A measles outbreak in England is linked to music festivals and other large public events, according to a new report by the United Kingdom government, as NME points out. Numerous cases have been linked to music festivals, with experts saying low hygiene and high density of people is providing a hot dead for the viral illness to spread between festival goers.
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Health officials in England has seen an uptick in measles cases this summer in teenagers and young adults who attended or worked at music and arts festivals across the country.
There were nearly forty cases reported in June and July and it is assumed more people will come forward as more people attend festivals until the end of September, when the season comes to an end. “People are urged to be aware of the symptoms of measles”.
Public Health England said festivals are the “ideal place” for the infection to be passed from one person to another.
Dr James Chipwete, lead consultant on vaccine preventable disease with PHE West Midlands, said: “Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications”.
PHE has urged young people attending events to get their MMR vaccination.
Symptoms include a rash, general flu-like symptoms, fever, a lack of energy and sore eyes. So, if you think you might have measles, please don’t go to any of these big events.
The MMR jab, which is usually given to babies when they are a couple of months old, is the most effective way to immunise against the virus.
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PHE said any young people anxious they may be at risk and due to attend a festival should visit their doctor to get an MMR vaccination. If you think you’ve got it, call your GP or NHS 111.
