Measles Plague Festivals

“A significant number of cases, linked to music festivals and other large public events, have been reported since June,” an article on the PHE website reads.

The agency states that 234 cases of measles were confirmed between January and June, compared with 54 in the same period 2015. “There have been 38 suspected measles cases reported in people who attended events in June and July,” it continues. Getting vaccinated was especially important for “young people planning to attend other festivals over the summer,” as events “where people are mixing closely with each other provide the ideal place for the infection to spread.”

Dr. Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “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.”

The measles cases were linked to Glastonbury (16 cases), NASS (7), Triplicity Music and Arts Festival (6), Tewkesbury Medieval Festival (3), Nozstock: The Hidden Valley (2), Noisily Festival (2), Secret Garden Party (1), and Yeovil Show (1).