Concern about UK measles rise 2023

The virus is extremely contagious, and a decline in vaccination rates has made more children susceptible to infection.

In total, there were 54 cases of measles last year. In contrast, 49 have occurred in the first four months of 2023.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) encourages parents to ensure that their children are up-to-date on vaccinations.

Measles is characterized by fever and a rash. However, it can lead to more severe complications, such as meningitis, and an infection can be fatal.

This is why the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is routinely administered to children.

Prior to the Covid pandemic, vaccination rates in the UK were declining.

However, the disruption caused by Covid has damaged vaccination programs around the world, including in the United Kingdom, resulting in the exclusion of even more children.

The World Health Organization has already warned of a “perfect storm” for measles, as it becomes simpler for outbreaks to occur as fewer people receive vaccinations.

Measles spreads so easily from person to person that 95% of the population must be immunized to prevent its spread. However, only 85 percent of five-year-olds in England have received the recommended two doses, according to the UKHSA.

The increase in measles cases in the United Kingdom is centered in London, but infections have occurred elsewhere. Twelve of the cases were discovered abroad, while the remaining cases reflect the proliferation within the UK.

The UKHSA’s Dr. Vanessa Saliba remarked that it is alarming that the number of cases has begun to rise this year.

She added, “We are urging all parents and guardians to ensure that their children have received two MMR doses.” It is never too late to catch up, and the MMR vaccine is available for free on the NHS regardless of age.”

The UKHSA emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated before summer, as measles may be more prevalent in other countries and festivals are a well-known source of outbreaks.

In 1968, measles vaccinations were introduced to the United Kingdom. They are estimated to have prevented 20 million cases of measles and 4,500 fatalities since then.