A mother whose baby faced severe breathing difficulties after contracting measles is urging parents to vaccinate their children, as health officials predict a potential rise in cases with the new school year approaching. Last year, a significant outbreak began in the West Midlands and has since spread nationwide. In 2023, there were 321,582 measles cases globally, marking an 88% increase from the 171,153 cases the previous year.
Davina Barrett from Walsall recounted the distressing experience when her three-month-old son, Ezra, fell ill with measles. She described it as “awful” and was taken aback by the rapid severity of his condition. The rash quickly covered his entire body, and he struggled to breathe, requiring oxygen. Barrett expressed her shock at how severe measles could be for infants.
She emphasised the importance of vaccination, highlighting that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine not only protects individual children but also saves lives of infants like Ezra who are too young to be vaccinated. “Measles can be nasty but it’s entirely preventable,” she stated.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England are launching a six-week campaign to encourage vaccinations against preventable diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria, and polio. Concerns remain about low MMR vaccine uptake in certain areas of England.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, stressed the preventability of these diseases, stating, “Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. Unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications.”
The initial symptoms of measles include a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, and red, sore or watery eyes. These cold-like symptoms are followed by a rash starting on the face and behind the ears, spreading across the body. The rash’s spots can merge to form blotchy patches and may sometimes appear in the mouth.
UKHSA data shows 2,278 lab-confirmed measles cases in England from the start of 2024 up to 5 August, with 153 cases in the last four weeks, primarily in London. Over the past 12 months, the NHS administered 180,000 additional MMR doses, including over 51,000 to children aged five or under. Vaccination rates for the second dose among black, Caribbean, or African children aged three to five increased by 4.9%.
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What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports that vaccination coverage among US kindergartners remains stable at 93%, while vaccine exemptions have increased to the highest rate ever, posing a risk of outbreaks.(read more)
- CDC recommends MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, with two doses for children starting at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.(read more)
- Virginia Department of Health emphasizes the importance of immunizations for school attendance, highlighting specific vaccine requirements and exemptions.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why should I vaccinate my child against measles?
Vaccination protects your child from serious illness and helps prevent the spread to others, like babies too young to be vaccinated.
What are the first symptoms of measles?
The first symptoms include a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, and red, sore or watery eyes.
How many measles cases were there worldwide in 2023?
There were 321,582 measles cases worldwide in 2023, an 88% increase from the previous year.
What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, offering the best and safest protection against these diseases.
How has measles vaccination uptake changed recently?
Uptake of the MMR vaccine has increased, with 180,000 additional doses administered and significant uptake among previously unvaccinated children.