Health experts are sounding the alarm that the upcoming Glastonbury festival could escalate the UK’s measles outbreak. Taking place from June 25th to June 29th at Worthy Farm in Somerset, the event is expected to draw a crowd of 210,000, fuelling concerns about the potential for widespread infection.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has taken to social media to warn festival-goers, urging them to ensure they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine to safeguard against measles. The agency cautioned: “It’s festival season. Don’t let #Measles be part of your festival line up.”
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, echoed these concerns, telling MailOnline that Glastonbury could exacerbate the outbreak. He explained: “Given the currently high numbers of measles cases in the UK, particularly in the South West and London, and reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine, gatherings at festivals like Glastonbury are a perfect place for measles to spread.”
The NHS advises that measles typically begins with symptoms similar to a cold, such as a high temperature, runny nose, or cough, followed by a rash a few days later. In some cases, small spots may appear in the mouth.
The infection is highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Individuals with measles are infectious from the onset of symptoms until four days after the rash appears, reports the Mirror.
Measles can also cause severe issues such as pneumonia, meningitis, seizures, and blindness, with babies and individuals with weakened immune systems being more susceptible to developing these complications.
UKHSA South West consultant Dr Alasdair Wood 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.”
He highlighted that with ongoing cases nationwide, “festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread”. The UKHSA recently reported that measles outbreaks continue across the country, with 109 confirmed cases in April and 86 in May, causing concerns of potential larger outbreaks this summer.
Consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba of the department stressed: “It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family.”
Dr Saliba warned that 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 potentially ending up in hospital and suffering lifelong consequences. The MMR vaccine requires two doses to achieve approximately 99 per cent effectiveness in protecting individuals.
The government assures that catching up on the vaccine as an adult remains possible for those who missed it in childhood, and urges anyone lacking the two doses to arrange an appointment with their GP.
Dr Amanda Doyle, serving as the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, expressed her concern: “Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems.”
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