Victorian disease cases surge across England - nearly half are in one region

22 February 2024 , 11:42

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Measles cases are rising again in the UK (Image: Getty Images)

Measles cases have risen again in this week's latest update as an outbreak spreads across the country.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there have been 169 newly confirmed cases in the four weeks since 22 January 2024 - with one area in particular dominating the statistics.

"Worryingly" low vaccine uptake in some regions is being blamed for the wave of infections, and parents are being urged by top doctors to make sure their child's jabs are up to date.

The highest number of infections have been reported in the West Midlands, which accounts for almost half (47%) of all UK cases. Birmingham still remains at the top of the list amid a large ongoing outbreak, though case numbers there have now stabilised at a high level.

Numbers of suspected measles cases reported to the UKHSA by area (UKHSA)

In the past month, all regions have had confirmed cases, including 23 in London, 23 in the North West, and 18 in the East Midlands and 16 in Yorkshire and The Humber. The majority (379 of 581, 65%) of the cases are in children under the age of 10 and 27% (154 of 581) in young people and adults over the age of 15.

'Chickenpox vaccine plan is overwhelmingly supported by parents for their kids'

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: "As expected, due to worryingly low MMR vaccine uptake in some areas across the country, we are now starting to see clusters of cases in other regions. We’re urging parents to protect their children from this serious illness with the MMR vaccine before it spreads further.

"Parents are already coming forward to take up the offer of the MMR vaccine for their children, but 100s of thousands of unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications. The disease spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in schools and nurseries, however, measles is completely preventable with vaccination.

UKHSA chart of measles epidemiology (Gov.co.uk)

"Parents should check their child’s Red Book now to ensure that children are fully up to date with both their MMR jabs and all their routine vaccines. Get in touch with your GP practice to catch up on any that have been missed, or if you’re unsure. Respond as soon as possible if the NHS is in touch for your child to catch up."

In Northern Ireland, health officials are now emphasising the importance of getting the MMR vaccine after the nation's first case of measles since 2017 was confirmed. A death from measles was also reported in the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

The number of cases that went up in each region:

West Midlands - 79

London - 23

North West - 23

East Midlands - 18

Yorkshire and the Humber - 16

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas