London may see tens of hundreds of measles circumstances warns UKHSA

Data revealed on Friday, July 14, 2023, exhibits there was a gentle rise in measles circumstances this yr.

A brand new danger evaluation additionally revealed the potential for a measles resurgence, notably in London.

Between January 1 and June 30 this yr there have been 128 circumstances of measles, in comparison with 54 circumstances in the entire of 2022, with 66 per cent of the circumstances detected in London, though circumstances have been seen in all areas.

The UKHSA evaluation discovered the chance of a measles epidemic throughout the UK is taken into account low. But, with decrease present ranges of protection in London, a measles outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 circumstances may happen within the capital.

The evaluation additionally concludes there’s a excessive danger of circumstances linked to abroad journey resulting in outbreaks in particular inhabitants teams comparable to younger folks and under-vaccinated communities.

The danger in London is primarily as a result of low vaccination charges over a number of years, additional impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In some London boroughs, the protection of the primary MMR dose – given to youngsters at two years previous – is as little as 69.5 p.c.

The UKHSA are urging mother and father to verify their youngsters are absolutely vaccinated with two MMR doses, which supplies 99 p.c life-long safety in opposition to measles.

Parents can verify with their GP apply to search out out if their youngsters are up-to-date with the vaccination – in addition to themselves.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist mentioned: “Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

“Due to longstanding sub-optimal vaccine uptake there’s now a really actual danger of seeing large outbreaks in London.”

Dr Saliba added: “Measles spreads very simply however is preventable. To assist defend ourselves, our households and people round us it’s important all of us guarantee we’re vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, free on the NHS no matter your age.

“It’s important everyone is fully vaccinated before travelling overseas this summer.”