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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8k5gx3xr1o
'Concerning' measles rise prompts vaccination call
3 hours ago
Beth Cruse
BBC News, West of England
Parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated against measles after a rise in cases in the West Country.
The south west had the highest proportion of measles cases in the country (46%) between 16 December and 13 January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
During this time there were 30 new cases of measles in the south west.
"Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases," said Dr Alasdair Wood, UKHSA consultant in health protection for the region.
The figures also show that there have been 115 confirmed cases of the disease in the south west over the past year.
Bristol has had the most cases in the region since 1 January 2024, with 57, followed by Gloucestershire (23) and Somerset (11).
The rise comes as vaccination rates for two doses have fallen below 90%, which could lead to more outbreaks, the UKHSA has warned...
'Concerning' measles rise prompts vaccination call
3 hours ago
Beth Cruse
BBC News, West of England
Parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated against measles after a rise in cases in the West Country.
The south west had the highest proportion of measles cases in the country (46%) between 16 December and 13 January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
During this time there were 30 new cases of measles in the south west.
"Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases," said Dr Alasdair Wood, UKHSA consultant in health protection for the region.
The figures also show that there have been 115 confirmed cases of the disease in the south west over the past year.
Bristol has had the most cases in the region since 1 January 2024, with 57, followed by Gloucestershire (23) and Somerset (11).
The rise comes as vaccination rates for two doses have fallen below 90%, which could lead to more outbreaks, the UKHSA has warned...
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