The NHS has urged people not to leave the house this Black Friday as a deadly measles outbreak hits two of the UK’s biggest cities and is set to spread.
An outbreak was confirmed in Leeds and Liverpool on November 23.
Manchester has also been put on high alert to look out for signs the life-threatening condition may have spread there.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned measles was spreading across Europe in regions where vaccination is low.
To prevent outbreaks, it is recommended that 95 per cent of the population is immunised against measles, however, the WHO claims people’s fear of vaccines and complacency means many, particularly young children, are unprotected.
Black Friday sees shops slash their prices after Thanksgiving celebrations and is the third biggest shopping day of the year in the UK, behind December 23 and ‘super Saturday’ December 17.
NHS Choices tweeted yesterday: ‘Measles outbreak in Leeds and Liverpool. If you have symptoms, stay at home’.
Although most make a full recovery, around one in 15 sufferers develop life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and convulsions.
The NHS has urged people not to go out this Black Friday due to the deadly measles outbreak
‘Stay at home’
NHS Choices tweeted yesterday: ‘Measles outbreak in Leeds and Liverpool.
‘Measles is an infectious illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to complications.
‘Symptoms include: high fever; sore, red, watery eyes; coughing; aching and a blotchy red brown rash.
‘If you have these symptoms, stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice.’
Why is there an outbreak?
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned measles was spreading across Europe in regions where vaccination is low, namely France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine.
To prevent outbreaks, it is recommended that 95 per cent of the population is immunised against measles, however, the WHO claims people’s fear of vaccines and complacency means many, particularly young children, are unprotected.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, which can affect anyone who is not vaccinated.
The condition starts with cold-like symptoms and develops into the typical measles rash after several days.
Some children complain of disliking bright lights or develop white spots with red backgrounds on their tongue.
Most make a full recovery, however, around one in 15 sufferers develop complications, such as pneumonia, ear infections or convulsions.
Measles can be prevented by avoiding anyone with an infection and receiving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Treatment focuses on rest, drinking lots of fluids and taking painkillers, if necessary.