Health chiefs are warning about measles cases surged to a record high in Europe.

They say young people travelling to university, festivals or a holiday abroad should ensure that they are up to date with their MMR vaccination.

The Manx government’s public health team has issued information about measles and the MMR vaccine to GP practices, the school health team and the pharmaceutical advisor.

The World Health Organisation has reported that more than 41,000 people in Europe have been infected with measles in the first six months of 2016.

Cases have spread to the UK and since the beginning of the year there have been a reported 828 confirmed reports of the disease. London has been the area hit hardest with 291 cases.

Public health officials say Manx children should have received their vaccination as babies. If a child has missed the vaccination they can receive a ’catch up’ on the NHS.

Measles is an uncommon disease in 21st century Britain. Despite this it is highly infectious and can cause serious complications.

Symptoms are similar to that of a common cold, however red eyes and small grey spots on the inside of cheeks are common. In the later stages of infection a rash forms which can spread to the whole body.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation for Public Health England, said: ’The majority of cases we are seeing are in teenagers and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine when they were children.’

Health experts say that, in order to minimise the spread of the disease, people should stay off school or work for at least four days from when the rash begins to appear.

The MMR vaccine is an immunisation vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella.

There were scare stories some years ago suggesting that the MMR causing autism.

These were debunked by health professionals but the legacy is that fewer children were given the vaccine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45294192