Glastonbury festival-goers warned over surge in highly infectious measles cases
Glastonbury festival-goers have been urged to check they are vaccinated for measles amid an increasing number of outbreaks of the highly infectious disease.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that measles is 'circulating across the country and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread'.
There are 'ongoing outbreaks' of measles in a number of regions across England and in London, according to the UKHSA's June update. Cases have mainly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, however, there are reported cases in young people and adults.
Glastonbury festival gets underway on 25th June and attracts families as well as other music fans. Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West told ITV: 'We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year.
'Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible.
'Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival'.
Dr Wood said the agency was also seeing an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly affecting young people.
He urged people to get tested early to detect any potential infections early.
Measles cases are on the rise worldwide, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting 127,350 cases in Europe in 2024. This was double the number of cases reported in 2023, and the highest number since 1997.
Outbreaks have already been seen this year in France, Italy, Spain and Germany, with the UKHSA urging people to get vaccinated before they travel abroad.
In England, there has been a decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations, leaving many thousands of children unprotected.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.'
Glastonbury festival has sold a 'few thousand less tickets' this year in a bid to avoid overcrowding, organiser Emily Eavis revealed this week.
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Glastonbury festival-goers issued warning by health bosses over ‘highly infectious' disease
Festivalgoers heading to Glastonbury later this month are urged to check their vaccination status, as health officials warn of a spike in cases of measles across the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the virus is 'circulating across the country', with case numbers especially high in the South West, where the iconic music festival will take place between 25 - 30 June. More than 100 cases were recorded in April, followed by 86 in May, with unvaccinated children under 10 among the most affected. The warning comes amid fears that large-scale events, including Glastonbury and other summer festivals, could accelerate the transmission of the virus. Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in some cases, death. Dr Alasdair Wood, a consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, told ITV News: 'We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. 'Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible. 'Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. 'If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival. Key symptoms to watch out for Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms — including a high temperature, runny nose and cough — followed by a rash that usually starts on the face before spreading across the body. Some may also develop small white spots inside the mouth. You're considered infectious from around four days before the rash appears, until four days after. Health experts are stressing the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which offers lifelong protection after two doses. In the UK, children are offered the first dose at 12 months and the second at around three years and four months. A UKHSA campaign is also aimed at families heading abroad for summer holidays, where exposure to outbreaks elsewhere in Europe could increase the risk of bringing the virus home. While most people recover fully, health professionals advise seeking immediate medical help if symptoms become severe. These include difficulty breathing, seizures, confusion, dehydration, chest pain, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.
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Glastonbury festival-goers warned over surge in highly infectious measles cases
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