'Highly contagious' winter virus alert issued across England

People have been put on a high alert about a virus that is "easily preventable" but could still make children and adults very unwell. It comes as the winter weather provides the perfect breeding ground for germs to spread.

In a post on X, a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) spokesperson said: "Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications. It's easily preventable with the MMR vaccine. Check that you and your loved ones are up to date and catch up on any missed doses."

The alert follows data revealing that, since January 1, 2025, more than 770 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported in England. The figures show that outbreaks, particularly in the London and North West regions, have been in decline since a spike over the summer months.

However, measles tends to become more of a problem in the approaching winter months because people spend more time indoors in close contact with others, which facilitates the virus's spread. The start of the school year in autumn can also contribute to an increase in cases, as children gather in close contact.

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which is free on the NHS and is given in two doses. Measles can lead to serious problems, such as pneumonia and meningitis, if it spreads to other parts of the body.

What is measles?

Measles is a viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person and can lead to serious sickness if they haven't had the proper protection. You might be more at risk of having measles, or of experiencing complications from measles, if you're:

• under 12 months old
• have a weakened immune system (even if you've been immunised against measles)
• pregnant

Can adults get the virus too?

According to the NHS Inform website, "anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before". The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine can be given at any age, and it is especially important for adults who may not be fully vaccinated

Once you've had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus, and it is highly unlikely you'll get it again. Measles typically clears up in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further complications.

Ask at your GP surgery if you're unsure whether you or your child has received the vaccine. The NHS has more information about the vaccine here.

Full list of signs and symptoms to watch out for:

The NHS claims that a case of measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

The first signs of measles include having a high temperature, runny/blocked nose, sneezing, coughing and red, sore, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash looks brown or red on white skin, but it may be harder to see on brown and black skin.