For two years measles cases have been rising across the UK. As a result, parents are being urged to ensure their children have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The latest research from the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) shows in 2024 there were 2,911 confirmed measles cases in England – the highest number of cases recorded annually since 2012. The number began rising in late 2023.
However, despite concerns, separate research from UKSHA shows the uptake of routine childhood vaccinations – including the MMR jab – is the lowest in a decade. In response UKSHA declared a national measles incident.
The spike in cases, according to the research, was initially driven by an outbreak in Birmingham but was soon overtaken by London, with small clusters in other regions including Leeds.
Individuals affected are largely children under the age of 10 who have missed their MMR vaccine, of which the first dose should be given as early as a child’s first birthday.
Nevertheless people can be vaccinated at any age with two doses providing the best protection – young adults are even being encouraged to catch up on any missed doses, particularly before thinking about starting a family.
‘Measles can be a very serious disease; it can have similar symptoms to chickenpox but the health complications from measles can be much more severe and, in some cases, could lead to brain inflammation and pneumonia,’ Victoria Eaton, director of public health at Leeds City Council said. ‘Measles symptoms often start with a cough, high fever, runny nose and sore watery eyes, usually followed by a rash a few days later, this often starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.’
To ensure more people in Leeds consider getting the vaccine, the local authority have been working with the NHS, UKSHA, schools and higher education settings.
Cllr Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, added: ‘We’ve done a lot of work with our NHS partners and other organisations to increase public awareness and understanding of the risk of measles and as a result we are pleased that more parents are coming forward to get their children vaccinated, however there is still more work to do.’
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