The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries has expressed concern that measles outbreak could spread to other
towns and cities unless urgent action is taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk.
The virus can spread very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, she said on Friday (19 January) during a visit to
irmingham to review the ongoing work to contain the spread of the disease.
A rapid rise in cases has been seen in the West Midlands since 1 October 2023, with 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases recorded till 18 January.
The majority of the cases (around 80 per cent) were reported from Birmingham, with about 10 per cent in Coventry, mostly affecting children aged under 10 years.
Dame Jenny is calling on all local areas to increase MMR vaccine uptake rates in communities across the country.
New data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that London is potentially at risk of a measles resurgence.
UKHSA modelling suggests that, unless MMR vaccination rates improve, London could see a measles outbreak with tens of thousands of cases.
"Those who have never received a measles vaccine (MMR) are at risk," said UKHSA.
MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. Parents whose infants missed out, or anyone of any age unvaccinated, are urged to come forward.
Susceptibility is particularly high among 19 to 25 year olds, affected by unfounded stories in the early 2000s ('Wakefield cohorts') and some may still not be
fully vaccinated.
As part of continued efforts to protect people against getting measles, the NHS is launching a campaign encouraging people to check their vaccination status, with
targeted outreach to groups in London.
The drop in vaccination rates is believed to be driving a surge in measles cases in England, mainly in the West Midlands.
As of 18 January, 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases have been reported in the region since 1 October 2023, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed.
The majority of cases (around 80 per cent) were from Birmingham, with children aged under 10 years being infected the most.
UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries has warned that the outbreak could spread further to other towns and cities if urgent action is not taken
to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk.