PARENTS have been urged to “act now” as measles infections surge across the country amid an increase in unvaccinated children.
Cases have risen 138 per cent in England in the last month, according to new figures.
The majority of cases are coming from London and the West Midlands
There were 69 confirmed cases during the week ending January 14, up from 29 from the week ending December 16, UK Health Security Data (UKHSA) reveals.
The cases are based on doctor notifications, which have been confirmed through lab testing.
There were 1,603 suspected cases in England and Wales last year, separate UKHSA data show, up from 735 the previous year.
Falling vaccination rates mean rates could continue to increase unless measures are taken, experts warn.
Most cases come from London and the West Midlands, where vaccine rates are especially low.
Dr David Elliman of Great Ormond Street Hospital said: “As between one in 1,000 to one in 5,000 people getting measles will die, we could see dozens of deaths from an easily preventable disease.
“On top of this would be many more hospital admissions, as we have sadly seen in the Midlands, and people left with long-term problems.”
At best will cause children great discomfort and at worst deaths”.
Dr Ronny Cheung
Measles is an infection that can cause serious problems, including pneumonia, brain-swelling meningitis, blindness and seizures.
It usually starts with cold-like symptoms, including a high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, coughing and red, sore or watery eyes.
Dr Ronny Cheung of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said the virus will “at best cause children great discomfort and at worst deaths”.
It is “almost entirely preventable” with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, he added.
Vaccine uptake figures suggest around one in 10 children in nursery this year will not have had both doses of the lifesaving vaccine.
Unvaccinated children who come into contact with the disease are currently being advised to stay at home for 21 days.
This is because the disease is very contagious.
If one person has measles, up to nine out of 10 people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected, the NHS says.
Dr Doug Brown of the British Society for Immunology said: “The best possible protection against this serious illness is vaccination, and it is never too late to get vaccinated.
“We encourage parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR vaccines and catch up on any missed ones as soon as possible.”
Ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.
Have you or your family been affected by measles? Email [email protected]
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