01 February 2024 , 14:52
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Cases of measles are surging across the UK - and a new map shows where the hotspots are for the dangerous disease.
Last week health authorities were notified of 314 suspected cases in England and Wales - a three-fold increase from 129 infections the previous week. That brings the number of cases so far this year up to 588. During the same period in 2023, there were just 52 suspected cases.
These figures show notifications of suspected measles infections spotted by GPs and sent to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who provide health officials with an early warning of possible outbreaks. One area of the country in particular is contributing to the rapid rise, according to health agency workers.
The UKHSA says the surge in measles infections is driven by a “rapid escalation of cases in the West Midlands”. Of infections identified by GPs in January, the vast majority have been in the West Midlands, with 97 cases in Birmingham alone - by far the area with the most infections.
See the suspected cases and the vaccine rate where you live using our interactive map below:
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Birmingham in the top spot is followed by Dudley and Walsall, with 15 cases each. The majority of confirmed cases, the UKHSA says, have been in children aged under 10.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: “The ongoing measles outbreak in the West Midlands remains a concern. MMR vaccine coverage has been falling for the last decade with one out of 10 children starting school in England not protected and so there is a real risk that this outbreak could spread to other towns and cities.
“Measles is a nasty illness for most children and for some can be serious, but it is completely preventable. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your children. If you or your child are not up to date with your two doses of MMR vaccine please contact your GP to catch-up now.”
The new wave of outbreaks has prompted new warnings over the importance of vaccination. Uptake of the MMR vaccine - which is safe and protects against measles, as well as mumps and rubella - is currently below the 95.0% target in England. Nationally, 92.5% of children had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in 2022-23, down from 93.4% the previous year and the lowest percentage uptake in the last decade.
But rates vary wildly across Britain, and only the North East had vaccination rates above the national target (95.5%) last year.
The latest local authority area figures show that in Birmingham, the area with the most suspected cases of measles, only 88.1% of children had received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five, well below the national target.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
Does my child have measles?
You can ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- You think you or your child may have measles
- You've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not had measles before or you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
- You've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy
- You have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles.
Measles can spread to others easily, so it's important to call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone. You can also call 111 or get help from the NHS 111 service online.