Dr Chris discusses importance of measles vaccine in 2019 Health officials have issued a stark warning as the UK has seen a dramatic rise in cases of a highly contagious infection . Often thought of as a Victorian-era disease, reports of measles cases have skyrocketed this year. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), GPs have spotted more than 600 new suspected instances of measles in just three weeks.
Since the current outbreak began in Birmingham at the start of October, there have been 1,749 lab-confirmed cases. That includes 1,531 confirmed cases so far in 2024, which is more than quadruple the 362 cases seen all last year and the biggest outbreak in more than a decade. Measles is most dangerous to children and infants , as well as the immunosuppressed.
READ MORE Cancer patients given warning as deadly illness surges in UK - list of hotspots The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine (Image: Getty Images) It typically begins with symptoms akin to a common cold, followed by a distinctive rash a few days on. A number of patients might also notice tiny spots inside their mouths. However, it can cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures and even death.
The UKHSA urged parents to be careful. In a statement, the organisation said:"Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems." Don't miss.
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