Virus Warning for Festival Goers

Measles (OK, it's not Zika) is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash, fever and cold-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. There have been 234 cases of measles reported in the first six months of this year in the UK, a big increase from the 54 cases reported in the first half of 2015.

Public Health England has now warned of music festivals and other big public events being an "ideal place for the infection to spread". 36 reported cases of measles were linked to UK music festivals in June and July, with 16 cases reported at Glastonbury alone.

The festivals where bouts of measles have been linked to are:

Glastonbury festival: 16 cases
NASS festival: Seven cases
Triplicity Music and Arts Festival: Six cases
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival: Three cases
Nozstock: The Hidden Valley: Two cases
Noisily Festival: Two cases
Secret Garden Party festival: One case
Yeovil Show: One case

The report reads: "Young people planning to attend other festivals over the summer are in particular urged to follow this advice. Measles is extremely infectious and events where people are mixing closely with each other provide the ideal place for the infection to spread."

"Measles can be more severe in teenagers and adults, with some of the recent cases needing hospital treatment. People are urged to be aware of the symptoms of measles, such as a high fever and rash, and not to attend festivals if they are unwell."