The United Kingdom Health Security Agency ( UKHSA ) has release datum this hebdomad showing a significant increase in the number of rubeola cases in the UK . There have been 49 cases in the European land between January 1 and April , a significant increase compared to last year . In 2022 , there were 54 cases in total .
Ofthe cases this twelvemonth , most were in London , and most were in children . grownup over the age of 20 are not immune from the disease – in fact , 16 cases were in this grouping . That chemical group and children under the age of five ( 20 of them in 2023 in the UK ) are more likely to have complications – and the complication are serious , which is why people are urged to vaccinate their tyke .
“ rubeola spreads very easy and can pass to complications that require a halt in infirmary and on rarified occasion can do womb-to-tomb disability or death , so it is very concerning to see cases starting to clean up this year , ” Dr Vanessa Saliba , Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA , tell in astatement .
In the UK , the morbilli vaccinum is give as part of the rubeola , epidemic parotitis , and rubella ( MMR ) jab , which is give in two doses – the first when the tike is one , the 2nd one at age 3 years and 4 month . The uptake of the MMR vaccine in the UK is significantly lower than the 95 percent target gear up by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) which is necessary to reach and maintain the elimination of the disease . In England , only 89 percent of tike age 2 have had their first dose and only 85 percent of tike maturate 5 have had both MMR jabs .
“ Vaccines are our best line of defence against diseases like measles , epidemic parotitis and rubella and help stop over outbreaks occur in the community , ” Dr Saliba continued .
“ Measles spreads very easily and can result to complication that ask a stop in hospital and on rarefied occasions can cause lifelong disability or death , so it is very interest to see font starting to foot up this year . ”
In the UK , the National Health Service ( NHS ) guarantees devoid MMR vaccines whatever one ’s eld . The UKHSA is working with medical practitioners to raise awareness of this ascension and increase the uptake of the vaccinum .
“ The MMR vaccinum has helped keep the development of potentially living - jeopardise malady among millions , and it is clear that when uptake hang , infections rise , so I strongly urge parents to review the status of their child ’s vaccinations so they can keep them and others protected from measles , mumps , and epidemic roseola , ” Steve Russell , NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening .
