Glastonbury Festival 2025: Measles warning as festival-goers urged to get MMR jab
Glastonbury festival-goers are being urged to make sure they are vaccinated against measles before heading to Worthy Farm.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning the highly infectious illness is circulating across the country, with high numbers in the South West and London.
It says measles is easy to catch in environments like festivals or travelling.
Glastonbury Festival gets underway in just under two weeks' time on 25 June and health experts say people need to be aware of the health risks so they can enjoy the event safely.
These risks include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), weather-related illnesses, and the impact from drugs and alcohol.
Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: "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.
"If you feel unwell or have been advised isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so.
"We are also seeing an increase in cases of STIs, with large rises particularly in young people. STIs aren't just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners.
"Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn't use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others.
"Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI."
Alison Bell, Acting Director of Public Health for Somerset Council, said: "Keeping yourself safe over the Glastonbury weekend is paramount.
"Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself, remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather.
'We are encouraging everyone who attends the Festival to take some basic steps to protect themselves and others.
"Familiarise yourself with the health and safety advice on the Glastonbury Festival website and app before you travel and encourage your friends to do the same.
"Avoid travelling if you are feeling acutely unwell. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in hot weather.
"Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser with you. Never take a BBQ into a tent - despite being out in the fresh air, carbon monoxide can build up to levels that can kill very quickly in enclosed spaces.
"Stay safe in the sun by using sun lotion, wearing a hat and seeking shade in the hottest parts of the day.
"Seek advice if you become unwell – there are medical facilities around the Festival site, including two dispensing and retail pharmacies.'
The UKHSA has issued its festival and summer safety tips:
Get your MMR vaccine
Measles is currently circulating across the country, with high numbers of cases in the South West and London. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash and is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others such as festivals or travelling.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, before visiting the GP surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.
By far the best way to protect yourself and those around you from measles is the MMR vaccine. The UKHSA has recently urged parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily. It is never too late to catch up: If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
Prepare for the weather
While it's too early for a forecast for this year's festival, it's important to pack for all possibilities.
Remember to pack wellies/sturdy boots as well as appropriate changes of clothing should the weather change, e.g. waterproofs, it can be hot in the day and chilly at night, so bring something to keep you warm too.
Hot weather in particular can pose a health risk for some people. Festival guests are reminded to stay safe during periods of hot weather, especially when walking around the Festival.
Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day, wear sun cream and a sunhat and avoid excess alcohol.
Remember to look out for one another. Keep a look-out for signs of heat-related harm in yourself, your friends, and other people around the Festival.
The signs include: a headache; dizziness and confusion; loss of appetite and feeling sick; excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin; cramps in the arms, legs and stomach; fast breathing or pulse; a high temperature of 38C or above; being very thirsty.
If you experience any of these symptoms, drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate, find somewhere shaded to sit down and rest and avoid excess alcohol. If symptoms have not gone away after 30 minutes of resting, seek help from one of the medical centres at the Festival.
Practice safe sex:
Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis are increasing. UKHSA is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners before or at the Festival to wear a condom and get tested regularly, whatever their age or sexual orientation.
Testing is free and confidential and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms.
Be tick aware:
UKHSA is also encouraging people to 'be tick aware' by regularly checking clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately if outdoors this summer.
Peak tick season in the UK usually begins in March, with most bites commonly reported during May and June and ends in October, although ticks can be active all year round.
The use of insect repellents such as DEET can repel ticks and prevent them from climbing onto clothing or attaching to skin (always follow the manufacturer's instructions).
If you spot a tick, you must remove as soon as possible using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. These can be purchased in pharmacies.
To remove a tick, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly.
Avoid illegal substances:
The message from Glastonbury Festivals is not to use illegal substances on the site. The dealing in or use of illegal drugs is not condoned by the festival and drug enforcement laws are as applicable on the festival site as anywhere else in the country – you risk being evicted from the site if found with them.
Festival attendees are reminded if they do ignore that advice and become ill or experience unusual effects from any substances taken, to seek immediate help from the medical or welfare services on site who can provide help and support.
Polydrug use – using more than one drug at a time – intensifies the effects of the drugs, making them more dangerous. Mixing alcohol alongside other drugs is one of the most common forms of polydrug use and can seriously increase the strength and impact of those substances, increasing the chances of a potentially fatal chemical reaction.
An overdose won't always look the same but some of the signs to look out for are: falling unconscious, very light shallow breathing or no breathing, loud raspy 'snoring' or gurgling, blue or pale lips or fingertips.
If in doubt, seek medical attention immediately.
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