Music festivals have become a spawning-ground for measles among young adults this summer.

A significant number of cases have been linked to these festivals, with 36 cases reported in June and July alone.

Public Health England (PHE) and Herefordshire Council are advising that young adults attending music festivals check with their GP that they are immunised against measles. The measles vaccination forms part of the MMR vaccination.

Public Health England describes festivals as the ’ideal place’ for the infection to spread because of the large numbers of people mixing together. Measles is a highly-infectious virus which causes a rash and cold-like symptoms for most people, but it can be deadly.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said: "Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. So, if you think you might have measles, please don’t go to any of these big events. Measles isn’t common these days because most of us are vaccinated, but young people who missed their MMR jab as children are vulnerable, especially if gathered in large numbers at an event. If you think you’ve got it, call your GP or NHS 111. Please don’t turn up at the surgery or at A&E as you could infect other patients."

For all the latest updates on measles at festivals please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/measles-vaccination-advice-for-young-adults