Measles cases could soar when the new school terms starts in September – with London and the North West of England particularly at risk, health chiefs are warning.
Almost half of the 674 cases reported so far this year have been in London, according to the UK Health Security Agency – with the true number thought to be considerably higher since many cases are not recorded.
The North West of England, meanwhile, makes up 16 per cent of cases this year, followed by the East of England, representing 10 per cent.
These case numbers are much higher than the long-term averages seen in recent years – a trend that is blamed on falling vaccination levels.
But as children come back to school, the UKHSA said it was concerned “that holiday travel and international visits to see family this summer could lead to rising measles cases in England when the new school term begins”.
Measles cases are rising around the world as opposition to vaccines grows. Last month, The World Health Organisation reported that measles had hit a 25 year high in 2024 across Europe as cases doubled on the previous year.
Cases in the Canadian province of Alberta are so high that health officials are calling for a public health emergency to be declared.
As such, health experts in the UK are urging parents to make sure their children get the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.
“The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Don’t put it off and regret it later,” said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, added: “Vaccination is the best protection against measles, which is highly contagious and can cause serious health problems.
“The MMR vaccine is provided free by the NHS and I would urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination records before the new school year or summer travel.”
The first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is offered to babies when they turn one, with the second dose offered around the age of three years and four months.
Data from NHS England covering 2023/24 shows uptake well below the critical 95 per cent target needed to ensure diseases cannot spread among youngsters – with every percentage point below that further increasing the risk of the virus spreading.
The figures shows 91.9 per cent of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR, the lowest level since 2010/11, while just 83.9 per cent had received both doses, the lowest since 2009/10.
Uptake of the first MMR dose at 24 months stood at 88.9 per cent in 2023/24 – again, the lowest since 2009/10.
The decline in vaccinations began in the late 90s and has accelerated in the last five years or so.
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Most measles cases are among unvaccinated children, although there have been some cases among unvaccinated young people and adults. The cumulative effect of this reduced level of vaccinations is now feeding through into increased infection rates.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash.
The NHS warns measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. These include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.
If a mother-to-be contracts measles when she is pregnant, it could harm the baby, with a risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, premature birth, or low birthweight.
These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Simon Williams, a behavioural scientist and public health expert at Swansea University, told The i Paper: “Rising measles rates are is largely due to the fact vaccination rates have been declining. This is a big public health problem and needs to be a priority for public health authorities and the Government.
“Things are likely to get worse before they get better, with a concern being that we will see many more measles cases, and even some more child deaths, before society is reminded how dangerous this disease can be – and how preventable it is with vaccines.”
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