WITH Glastonbury starting tomorrow, hundreds of thousands will be flocking to Somerset tomorrow to attend the world-famous festival – headlined this year by Artic Monkeys, Guns N’ Roses and Elton John.

However, the UK Government has warned attendees of health risks – in particular of measles, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and weather-related illnesses.

Festivalgoers should be aware that measles is currently circulating around the UK and Europe.

Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash.

Infection is more common in close environments such as festivals - Dr Bayad Nozad, Consultant in Health Protection at UK Health Security Agency South West (UKHSA) has warned that ‘festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread’

Health officials have also warned of the risks posed by hot weather, with the South-West having experienced an amber heat health alert recently.

Whilst the forecast for Glastonbury is currently mixed, hotter weather is expected towards the end of the festival.

Attendees are advised to carry a refillable water bottle with them, to wear sun cream and a sunhat and to avoid drinking excess amounts of alcohol. It is important to look out for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others – the signs include:

  • headache
  • dizziness and confusion
  • loss of appetite and feeling sick
  • excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
  • cramp in the arms, legs and stomach
  • fast breathing or a fast pulse
  • a high temperature of 38°C or above
  • excessive thirstiness

If you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, the advice is to drink some water to rehydrate and to find somewhere shaded to sit down and rest, avoiding excess alcohol consumption.

If these symptoms persist after 30 minutes of rest, seek help from one of the medical centres at the festival.