Measles symptoms warning after spike in infections

Public Health Isle of Man said anyone with symptoms should call ahead to their GP before being seen

Health leaders have urged Manx residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles as the illness continues to spread across parts of England.

In March, Public Health Isle of Man and Manx Care launched a campaign to urge people under the age of 25 to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination.

Measles is an extremely contagious disease which usually starts with cold-like symptoms followed by the development of a red-brown rash three to five days later.

People have been advised to phone their GP or the Manx Emergency Doctor Service out of hours if they think they may have caught the infection.

Earlier this year, England saw an increase in measles cases, and a warning was issued ahead of children returning to school in September.

Public Health said anyone with symptoms should be assessed by a doctor but should phone ahead to be seen at a safe distance from other people to help reduce the risk of the illness spreading further.