Measles cases at 18 year high

Posted 11/02/2013

It has been reported that measles cases in England and Wales have risen to over 2,000 in 2012 which is the highest annual total for 18 years. 

The measles cases during 2012 have been associated with prolonged outbreaks in Merseyside, Surrey and Sussex and there are similar smaller outbreaks in travelling communities.  The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said that parents should ensure their children are fully protected against the disease with the MMR vaccine. 

Dr Mary Ramsey, Head of Immunisation at the HPA, said the coverage of the MMR vaccine is now at historically high levels, however “measles is highly infectious and can spread easily among communities that are poorly vaccinated and can affect anyone who is susceptible including toddlers in whom vaccination has been delayed”. Older children who are not vaccinated at the routine age but are now teenagers were at particular risk of becoming exposed while at school.The only way to prevent outbreaks of measles is to ensure that children are being vaccinated. Dr Ramsey said: “Measles is often associated with a disease of the past and as a result people might be unaware that it is a dangerous infection that can lead to death in severe cases. Parents should ensure their children are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella with two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

Parents of unvaccinated children, as well as older teenagers and adults who missed the MMR vaccination, should make an appointment with their GP to get vaccinated”. Dr Ramsey also said that measles continued to circulate in several European countries popular with holidaymakers. The UK along with France, Italy, Spain and Romania accounted for 87% of the total 7,392 cases reported up to the end of November 2012.Julie Crossley, a clinical negligence lawyer at Ashtons Legal, comments: “Measles is a particularly unpleasant disease. It is worrying that there has been such an increase in cases in the last few years. Once it is in the community it can spread quickly and it is extremely advisable that any children or young adults who have not been vaccinated should contact their GP surgery as soon as possible.”