Latest measles figures from the HPA show increasing numbers being infected

Measles figures soar

There have been 1,049 cases of confirmed measles in England and Wales up to the end of October 2008, according to the Health Protection Agency. This already outstrips last year's total of 990 cases.

The continued rise in the number of cases is thought to be due to the numbers of unvaccinated children during the past decade.

Children are immunised with the MMR vaccine before their second birthday, then again before starting school. However, HPA figures show that some parents forget about the second pre-school vaccination and so are not fully immunised.

Dr Mary Ramsay, an immunisation expert at the HPA, said: "Over the last few years we have seen an unprecedented increase in measles cases and we are still receiving reports of cases across the country.

"1,049 is the highest number of measles cases recorded in England and Wales since the current method of monitoring the disease was introduced in 1995.

"There is now a real risk of a large measles epidemic. These children are susceptible to not only measles but to mumps and rubella as well."

Recent modelling research carried out by the Agency, examined the potential for measles transmission in England. It suggested that there is now a real risk of a large measles outbreak of between approximately 30,000 to 100,000 cases - the majority occurring in London.

This resulted in a MMR catch up programme being launched which urged GPS to identify people not up to date with their immunisations.

Dr Mary Ramsay continued, "We are glad to see that public confidence in the MMR vaccine is now high with more than 8 out of 10 children receiving one dose of MMR by their second birthday. "But we shouldn't forget that the children who weren't vaccinated many years ago are at real risk.

Measles is a very serious infection as it can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis, even in healthy children. It is highly infectious and can be passed on without direct contact before the rash appears. This is why it's incredibly important to continue to remind parents about the benefits of having their child vaccinated with two doses of MMR for optimum protection. It is never too late to get vaccinated."

Dr. Chris says: I urge all parents to get their children vaccinated. Babies and young infants who have not yet reached the age to be immunised are particularly vulnerable to catching the disease. They can come into contact with unvaccinated older children who may be infected, but have not yet developed the rash. The complications which can arise from catching measles can be very serious
This content was created on Fri 28 November 2008

More like this
Babies and Children
Illnesses
News and Comment
Use this page



Privacy Terms | Advertisers | Legal Disclaimer | Contact
© 2007 TheFamilyGP.com