A “very concerning” rise in the number of people catching measles in the UK has been reported by health officials.
The virus spreads incredibly easily and a fall in vaccination rates is leaving more children vulnerable to infection.
There were 54 cases of measles in the whole of last year. However, there have already been 49 in the first four months of 2023.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date.
The main symptoms of measles are a fever and a rash. But it can cause more serious complications including meningitis, and an infection can be fatal.
That is why the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is part of routine childhood immunisations.
Vaccination rates had been falling in the UK before the Covid pandemic.
However, the disruption caused by Covid has dented vaccination programmes around the world, including in the UK, meaning even more children have missed out.
The World Health Organization has already warned of a “perfect storm” for measles, because the fewer people who receive protection from vaccines, the easier it is for outbreaks to happen.
www.bbc.com/news/health-65481976
AC