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Britain’s Health and Safety Executive has warned that measles cases could spread rapidly unless more people are vaccinated.
Pop-up clinics are being introduced to get more children vaccinated after statistics showed vaccination rates remained at their lowest levels in more than a decade.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread by coughing and sneezing.
It usually heals in 7 to 10 days.
However, if it infects other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, it can cause serious problems.
Complications may include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.
Infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk.
Measles can be fatal, but this is rare.
Why are measles cases on the rise? And where are they occurring?
More than 200 cases have been confirmed in the West Midlands in recent months, most of them in Birmingham.
Dozens of cases have also been reported in London, where nearly half of children have not been vaccinated.
According to the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), there were 1,603 suspected cases of measles in England and Wales in 2023.
This is a significant increase from 735 cases in 2022 and 360 cases in 2021.
Measles vaccination was introduced in the UK in 1968 and is thought to have prevented 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths.
The current two-dose MMR jab was first used in 1996, but vaccination rates fell due to false concerns about a link to autism.
NHS figures show 84.5% of children will have received two doses of MMR by the age of five in 2022-23, the lowest level since 2010-11, when Mr Wakefield was sacked.
What are the symptoms and rash of measles?
- high fever
- My eyes hurt, red and watery
- coughing
- sneeze
- I’m not feeling well overall
Small white spots may appear in the mouth.
A patchy red or brown rash usually appears on the face and behind the ears a few days after the initial symptoms, then spreads to other parts of the body.
It may be difficult to see on brown or black skin.
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How does measles spread?
The virus is contained in tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Measles is spread by breathing in droplets, touching droplets, or putting your hands near your nose or mouth.
People who have measles are contagious for at least four days after the rash appears.
People with mild symptoms are asked not to visit their GP or hospital and instead call the NHS on 111 or by phone. Get support online.
You should also stay away from daycares, schools, universities, work, and other group activities while you have an infection.
What should I do if I get measles?
The NHS advises patients to:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, pain – aspirin should not be given to children under 16
- rest and drink lots of water
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean your eyes with damp cotton wool
- Put used tissues and cotton wool in the trash
If you or your child: Go to A&E or call 999.
- I have shortness of breath
- You have a high fever that does not go away even after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- vomiting blood
- feel drowsy or confused
- have a seizure (convulsion)
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should urgently seek medical attention after coming into contact with a measles patient.
Who can get the MMR vaccine?
The first dose of MMR is given at 12 months of age and the second at approximately 3 years and 4 months of age, during preschool.
image source, Getty Images
However, both adults and children can use the jab at any age.
People who do not eat pork products can request an alternative version called “Priorix” from their doctor.
If the MMR vaccine is not appropriate, a treatment called human normal immune globulin (HNIG) can be given to people at immediate risk of contracting measles.
What are the side effects of the MMR jab?
Most side effects are mild and do not last long.
The area where the needle was inserted may be red, sore, or swollen for several days.
Infants and young children may have a high fever for up to 72 hours.
Researcher Andrew Wakefield falsely claimed that the two were connected in 1998.
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