PASSENGERS travelling from London to Iceland on Valentine's Day could have been exposed to deadly measles following a potential outbreak.
Anyone travelling on Icelandair flight FI455 on February 14 from London Heathrow to Reykjavik have been urged to contact their doctors if they experience any symptoms.
Iceland's Chief Epidemiologist has warned passengers and crew that they may have been exposed to the high contagious disease, with reports suggesting a passenger infected with measles was on board.
Although symptoms can pass within a week, the NHS warns that it can still lead to "serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people".
When contacting their doctor, passengers should notify them in advance of a visit so quarantine arrangements can be made.
Those who have not been vaccinated against measles have been encouraged to see a doctor if they have a fever, symptoms of a cold, a rash, or bloodshot eyes.
The announcement from the Icelandic authorities says that those suffering from measles only become contagious once the symptoms begin to show themselves.
The disease then remains contagious for between seven and ten days.
Local media report passengers who flew from Reykjavik to Egilsstadir in Iceland with Air Iceland Connect on February 15 have been sent the same warning.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
- small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
Reports state a measles outbreak is unlikely to occur in Iceland as 95 percent of the country's population have been vaccinated against it.
However, an increase in measles has been reported in the past year across Europe reaching an eight year high.
The disease can be spread easily through the coughs and sneezes of infected people and can be deadly if untreated.
There were 35 reported deaths caused by measles in Europe between 2017 and 2018.
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Last year in the UK, 913 cases of measles were reported across England and Wales, compared to just 267 in 2017.
Experts have warned parents following fears from anti-vaxxers who dissuade people from vaccinating their children.
The MMR vaccination, which was introduced in 1988, is free for adults and children on the NHS and is given in two doses, one month apart.
Sun Online Travel have contacted Icelandair and Air Iceland Connect for comment.
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