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Glastonbury Goers Urged to Secure MMR Shots as Measles Cases Surge

Declining MMR coverage at 89.1% by age two coupled with 109 cases in April followed by 86 in May prompts UKHSA warnings of high measles transmission risk in crowded festival settings.

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Festivals are particularly high risk places for viruses such as measles (Photo: Alys Tomlinson/Getty)
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Overview

  • The UK Health Security Agency reports 109 measles cases in April and 86 in May with outbreaks concentrated in London, the South West, the North West and the West Midlands.
  • Just 89.1% of UK children have received the first MMR dose by age two, below the 95% threshold needed to prevent sustained measles transmission.
  • Measles remains more contagious than Covid-19 and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis and seizures in unvaccinated individuals.
  • Officials urge festival-goers to check their vaccination records, catch up on any missed MMR doses before June 25, wash hands frequently and avoid sharing cups, towels or bedding.
  • The agency also reports rising sexually transmitted infections among young people and urges condom use and testing while warning attendees to guard against heat-related illness, tick bites and polydrug risks.