Health organisations have reminded people to ensure their vaccinations are up to date amid an increase in measles cases.
The UK Health and Security agency (UKHSA) has highlighted concerns over measles outbreaks in Europe, saying that as families travel for the summer holidays they could bring the disease back with them.
According to data from UKHSA, the north west has seen 64 lab confirmed cases so far this year, the vast majority of cases appearing in children aged one to four.
North west deputy director of UKHSA, Dr Kerac KIiner, said: “Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. It can be a serious infection that can lead to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
“Parents should be aware that measles is a nasty illness for most children and sadly, for some, can be very serious and life changing, but it is completely preventable.”
Measles can be serious, especially among children and those with compromised immune systems.
In bad cases, it can cause long term neurological damage and weaken the immune system.
Most symptoms appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus, and usually look like cold-like symptoms, red and watery eyes, a high temperature, a non-itchy red-brown rash, and small white spots on the inside of the mouth.
The best way to protect against measles is to be vaccinated against it using the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR), which most children can get in two jabs from the age of one.
Dr Kliner urged parents to take up the offer of the vaccine.
But healthcare professionals have warned of a declining uptake in this vaccine, pointing to this as a reason for the rise in cases.
North west regional director of commissioning at NHS England, Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, said: “The recent increase in cases is worrying, but measles is a preventable disease, so please take up the offer of vaccination if your child has yet to have one, or both of the vaccines.
“Ensuring yourself and your child are fully vaccinated against measles is really important. It not only protects you and your family against the illness, but it also protects those who you come into contact with who may be vulnerable – such as babies, toddlers and the elderly.”
She also warned that those who suspect they have measles should call ahead before going to an in-person healthcare setting, as measles is a highly infectious disease.
Photo credit: Dr Nate Ivey licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
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