Parents are being asked to check children are fully up to date with their MMR vaccinations as data published today by UKHSA (link) shows there has been a rise in measles cases.
Between 1st January and 20th April this year there have been 49 cases of measles compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022. Most of the cases have been in London although there have been cases picked up across the country and some are linked to travel abroad.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death. Symptoms include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash, and it is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others.
In recent years the number of children vaccinated against measles has fallen. Uptake for the first dose of the MMR vaccine in 2-year-olds in England is 89%, and uptake of two MMR doses at age 5 years is 85%, well below the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.
During the COVID-19 pandemic uptake for routine childhood immunisations has fallen globally leaving many children unprotected from serious infections and countries at increased risk of outbreaks. Measles is now circulating in many countries around the world and the WHO has warned that Europe is likely to see a resurgence unless countries catch-up children who missed out.
Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, when they turn 1 and the second dose at 3 years and 4 months. The UKHSA is urging parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily.
Healthcare professionals have been alerted to the recent rise in cases and asked to be vigilant to further cases whilst also working with communities to increase vaccination uptake.
Dr Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “Measles spreads very easily and can lead to complications that require a stay in hospital and on rare occasions can cause lifelong disability or even death, and that’s why we are reminding parents and guardians to check their children’s MMR vaccination record.
“Vaccines are our best line of defence against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella and help stop outbreaks occurring in the community.
“It’s never too late to catch up, and you can get the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever your age.”
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, before visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.