7 symptoms you need to know as UK city on brink of Victorian disease outbreak
Health chiefs have warned that London could be at the heart of a measles outbreak that could see as many as 160,000 Brits infected.
Recent modelling has painted a worrying picture that could see an outbreak in England’s capital.
Due to low uptake rates of the MMR vaccine, the disease has resurged within the city.
Whilst in the rest of the country, the risk of a large measles outbreak remains low, within London there could be tens of thousands of cases.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said susceptibility is “particularly high among 19 to 25 year olds”.
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These were a group “affected by unfounded stories in the early 2000s (‘Wakefield cohorts’) and some may still not be fully vaccinated.”
The recent resurgence in measles is due to a low uptake in MMR vaccines (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Measles symptoms:
- A high temperature
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Spots in the mouth
- Rash
Data published today shows that there has been a steady rise in measles cases this year and now the UKHSA has found London could experience an outbreak due to lower levels of coverage.
This could see between 40,000 and 160,000 cases, they warned.
The NHS cautioned that measles is an infection that can spread very easily and cause “serious problems”.
It usually starts with cold-like symptoms, before being followed by a distinctive rash and some people get small spots in their mouth.
Whilst most people tend to recover after about a week, in some people it can lead to serious problems as it spreads to other parts of the body - like the lungs or brain.
This can then lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.
Also, if caught when pregnant, it harm the baby and lead to miscarriage and stillbirth.
However, it’s easy to get vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine - just two doses offers lifelong protection and it’s free on the NHS.
From January to June this year, there were 128 cases of measles, over double the 54 across the whole of 2022.
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And 66 per cent of these cases were detected in London.
The UKHSA said: “The risk in London is primarily due to low vaccination rates over several years, further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in some areas and groups where coverage of the first MMR dose at 2 years of age is as low as 69.5%.”
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist said: “Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Due to longstanding sub-optimal vaccine uptake there is now a very real risk of seeing big outbreaks in London.
“Measles spreads very easily but is preventable. To help protect ourselves, our families and those around us it is vital we all ensure we are vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, free on the NHS whatever your age. Parents can check their children’s red book to see if they are up to date or if you’re not sure anyone can call their GP practice. It’s important everyone is fully vaccinated before travelling overseas this summer.
“Nobody wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles, or put others who are more vulnerable, like babies, at risk. I urge those who have missed their MMR vaccines to catch-up now.”
The NHS has launched a targeted national campaign to encourage the uptake of the MMR vaccine, including targeted outreach work in London.
Jane Clegg, Regional Chief Nurse for the NHS in London said: “Measles can easily spread between unvaccinated people and can be serious, but it is preventable, which is why we continue to encourage Londoners to take up the vaccine – with GPs calling over 10,000 parents of unvaccinated children, and hundreds booking appointments to get vaccinated as a result.
“Cases of measles in the capital remain low but it’s really important that people check that they, and their children, are up to date with their jabs and protected against MMR – and if you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with your GP practice or local pharmacist for advice. Now’s the time to act to protect yourself and loved ones from measles.”
Current MMR vaccine coverage in the NHS routine childhood programme is the lowest it has been in a decade.
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