UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4469805.Measles_outbreak_in_Brighton_and_Hove/

Measles outbreak in Brighton and Hove
7:00pm Thursday 2nd July 2009
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter ?


A measles outbreak in Brighton and Hove shows no signs of slowing, according to health bosses.

There have now been 51 confirmed cases of the virus in the city since the start of the year.

The results of several suspected cases are still outstanding and could push the number even higher.

Public health managers in the city say the virus is now out in the community and affecting adults as well as children.

The adults are generally parents of infected children.

One of the most recent cases involved an adult who had to be treated in hospital after falling seriously ill.

The virus tends to be more severe in adults and children under two More than 13 schools and numerous nurseries around the city have been affected by the outbreak and letters have been sent home to parents urging them to get their child vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The situation is being blamed on the poor take up of MMR.

It stands at around 80% , well short of the 95% recommended by the World Health Organisations as needed to protect a community.

About 13,000 people under 18 have not had either the first MMR dose or the second follow up.

Children need to be vaccinated at just under two and again just before they start school.

Part of the concern is that cases are now being passed between individuals within the community and not contained just among family members.

The city's director of public health, Tom Scanlon, said: ?Measles is highly contagious and is continuing to spread through our city.

?If your child does catch measles evidence from London says there is a one in ten chance they will need hospital treatment.

?This can be anything from chest infections and fits to encephilitis and brain damage.

?Don't take the chance - if your child is over one and has not had the MMR jab please contact your GP surgery and get them protected.?

The number of cases in the city is now more than eight times as many as the six reported for the whole of 2008.

People should contact their GP for more information or they can go to www.immunisation.co.uk.

Have you been struck down with measles? Let us know at news@theargus.co.uk

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/ne...e-face-rising-risk-of-rubella-92746-24079653/

Coventry mums-to-be face rising risk of rubella

Jul 6 2009 by Warren Manger, Coventry Telegraph


THE number of expectant mums at risk from rubella in Coventry has soared by nearly 500 per cent in five years.

A report brands the city?s approach to vaccinating mums against the virus ?ineffective?.

Almost five times more pregnant women are not immune to rubella ? also known as German measles ? now than in 2004, the study suggests.

Any mum-to-be who has not been vaccinated against rubella is at risk from catching the highly contagious virus while pregnant. This could lead to severe complications and in the worst cases serious defects in the unborn baby, forcing doctors to terminate the pregnancy.

Yet many new mums found to be at risk from the virus are still not being vaccinated.

The report, commissioned by city health trust NHS Coventry, said: ?The system for dealing with rubella non-immune mothers has a number of checkpoints that should remind a midwife to check and appropriately offer immunisation to a non-immune mother.

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"However, these do not appear to be adhered to.

?This should be addressed through education, both of current midwives and new starting midwives, and accountability through repeated audit.?

In 2004 just 41 of the mums surveyed were not immune to rubella ? about one in every 150 mums.

By 2008 this had soared to 193 cases ? more than one in every 30. And health chiefs have warned that number could continue to rise.

One reason for the increase could be the growing number of new mums in Coventry who were born outside the UK, and therefore not immunised as children.

But less than three quarters of mums found to be at risk from rubella had since been vaccinated. The rest had not been offered or had turned down the jab.

The full report, Antenatal Rubella Screening, can be found at www.coventrypct.nhs.uk

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8137161.stm


Cases treble in measles outbreak
MMR vaccine
The HPA has called on parents to vaccinate their children

The number of measles cases has almost trebled in what was already the largest outbreak in the north-east of England for almost 20 years.

Health Protection Agency officials said 99 cases had been reported so far this year and more than 100 suspected cases were being investigated.

The number of confirmed cases reported when figures were last released in May was 37.

The agency said there were only 17 cases reported in 2008.

It is urging parents to ensure children have had two doses of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

More than 25,000 leaflets and posters have been sent to community buildings in the North Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) area advising parents on the vaccine.

Dr Meng Khaw, director of public health for the PCT, said: "This measles outbreak is very alarming, especially as the majority of these cases could have been prevented as most were in children who were not fully protected with MMR.

"There is no treatment for measles but it can be prevented by the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine."

 

[kiwibird]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

It is interesting that no information has been given about the number of vaccinated children who are falling ill with measles. It should also be noted that there is not publicity given to the fact that people wary of the MMR jab can be given these vaccinations individually ie. as measles, then mumps then rubella, with booster shots as required.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.messengernewspapers.co.u...fs_open_drop_in_clinics_for_MMR_vaccinations/

As measles cases rise, Trafford health chiefs open vaccination drop-in clinics

11:49am Tuesday 14th July 2009

WITH cases of measles on the rise in Trafford, the Primary Care Trust (PCT) has set up a number of special ?drop-in? MMR vaccination clinics.

The MMR vaccine protects against not only measles, but mumps and rubella as well, and is being offered at the clinics.

Abdul Razzaq, the director of public health at the trust, said: ?There is still a large shortfall of children and young people in Trafford that have missed their jabs for MMR, and this reduces their level of protection against this deadly disease.

?It is important for everyone who has not had their MMR jab to come forward to protect themselves and their families.?

People can attend any of the MMR immunisation clinics, where young adults, teenagers and children can get their first or second dose injections.

They are being held at: July 21 (1pm ? 4pm) Chapel Road Clinic July 27 (1pm ? 4pm) Seymour Grove Health Centre July 28 (9.30am ? 12.30) Timperley Health Centre August 3 (10am ? 12pm) Partington Health Centre August 6 (9.30am ? 11.30am) Cornhill Clinic Either book an appointment by calling the Trafford MMR Hotline on 0161 873 9628, or just turn up.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...ues-to-spread-across-teesside-84229-24167949/


Measles outbreak continues to spread across Teesside
Jul 16 2009 by Naomi Corrigan, Evening Gazette

MEASLES continues to spread across Teesside, health officials warned today.

To date, 110 confirmed cases have been reported in the North-east since January 2009 and over 100 suspected cases are currently under investigation.

There are currently 60 confirmed cases in Hartlepool, 24 in County Durham and Darlington and 11 in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland. A small number has also been reported in Stockton.

As the numbers continue to rise in what is the largest outbreak of measles in the region for almost 20 years, experts are urging people to ensure their families are vaccinated.

The NHS on Teesside has been running a catch-up programme, working with local GPs to offer MMR to children who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Several hundred letters have gone out to parents of children with no MMR vaccination record and special immunisation clinics have been set up.

Dr Roberta Marshall, acting regional director for the HPA in the North-east said: ?Despite the recent efforts of our partners in the NHS, the uptake rate for the MMR vaccine is still well below the Government target of 95% which the World Health Organisation advises is necessary to prevent the widespread return of measles.?

Latest MMR uptake figures from January to March 2009 show that only 86% of eligible children have received both doses of the vaccine by their fifth birthday. About one in every ten children in the North-east is at risk of contracting the disease.

Carol McArdle, children?s public health specialist nurse, said in Hartlepool they have immunised 344 people in community clinics. She said: ?Measles is out there and if you are unvaccinated, you remain unprotected.?

Anyone concerned should contact their GP or NHS Direct 084....

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/...es-cases-declining-in-london-109642-24159515/


Measles cases declining in London

Jul 15 2009 By Jake Murtagh

THE number of confirmed cases of measles in London is down, according to the latest figures from the Health Protection Agency.

There were 664 cases of the viral disease across the capital last year, but a pilot scheme from NHS London has helped tackle the problem.

After 38 and 39 cases in January and February respectively, March saw a fall by nearly 50% with just 19.

NHS Hounslow is one of 12 primary care trusts taking part in the scheme, which sees a targeted marketing campaign reminding parents the seriousness of measles and urging them to get their children immunised. There have been leaflet drops, phone box advertising as well as posters in bus shelters.

Dr Simon Tanner, director of public health at NHS London, said: "Reassuring parents that the MMR vaccine is safe and encouraging them to protect their children from measles is a major priority in London.

"Measles is highly contagious; a simple cough or sneeze is all it takes to spread the virus, so if your child is not immunised there is a high risk they will get measles. The MMR vaccine is free, effective and safe, and it's never too late to have your children immunised."

For more information see www.mmrjab.com

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/North-East-measles-outbreak.5462783.jp

North East measles outbreak


Published Date: 15 July 2009
THE number of children diagnosed with measles in the North East this year has now reached over 100, according to figures released today by the Health Protection Agency.
To date, 110 confirmed cases have been reported in the North East since January 2009 and over 100 suspected cases are under investigation.

As the number of cases continues to grow in what is the largest outbreak of measles seen in the region for
ADVERTISEMENT
almost 20 years, experts at the HPA have warned again that children who are not fully vaccinated against measles are at risk from this potentially serious illness.

The HPA is continuing to support our colleagues in the NHS to tackle this disease. In an effort to turn the tide against these rising numbers, NHS North of Tyne ? working on behalf of Newcastle and North Tyneside PCTs and Northumberland Care Trust ? has begun a public awareness campaign to encourage parents to protect their child against the virus.

Over 35,000 leaflets and posters have been sent to community venues across the areas, including to GP practices, nurseries, children's centres, health centres and libraries, and over the next few weeks 20,000 letters are being sent out to parents of children who have yet to have both, or any doses of the vaccine.

Dr Roberta Marshall, acting regional director for the HPA in the North East said: "Despite the recent efforts of our partners in the NHS, the uptake rate for the MMR vaccine is still well below the Government target of 95per cent which the World Health Organisation advises is necessary to prevent the widespread return of measles.

"Latest MMR uptake figures (January to March 2009) show that only 86per cent of eligible children have received both doses of the vaccine by their fifth birthday. Currently, one in every ten children in the North East is at risk of contracting the disease.

"And this figure is only the North East average so there are still several areas in the region where uptake is even lower *2. This means that the number of children catching measles is likely to increase further.

"Worryingly, there are also many children out there who were not vaccinated as toddlers over the past decade and remain unprotected. Measles, which is highly infectious, is spreading easily among these unvaccinated children who are now teenagers.

"Measles should not be taken lightly as you can never tell who will go on to develop the more serious complications of pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). That's why it's incredibly important to remember that measles isn't a 'harmless' childhood disease and why we are urging parents to make sure that their children are fully immunised and have had both doses of the MMR vaccine.

"It's never too late to get your child vaccinated.If they've missed out on MMR in the past it's always possible for them to catch-up.Just contact your local GP."

Measles is potentially a very serious illness which can on rare occasions be fatal. It is highly infectious and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

There is no treatment for measles but it can be prevented by the safe and highly effective MMR vaccine and two doses are required to ensure children are fully immunised.

Anyone who is concerned should contact their GP or NHS Direct (0845 4647) in the first instance as normal.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.newspostleader.co.uk/latest/Parents-urged-to-have-children.5469223.jp


Parents urged to have children immunised against measles
Published Date:
17 July 2009
By LIAM THOMPSON

HEALTH authorities are urging parents in Northumberland to immunise their children against measles after 110 cases have been confirmed on in the north east.

To date since January, 110 cases have been reported and over 100 more are under investigation.

Health experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said this week it was the biggest outbreak of measles for almost 20 years.

The agency has also warned that children who are not fully vaccinated against measles are at risk from the potentially serious illness.

Dr Roberta Marshall, acting regional director of the HPA said the number of children catching the disease is "likely to increase further".

She said this week: "Despite the recent efforts of our partners in the NHS, the uptake rate for the MMR vaccine is still well below the government target of 95 per cent which the World Health Organisation advises is necessary to prevent the widespread return of measles."

In Northumberland the percentage of children aged five, an important age as they start school, to be properly immunised with MMR is only 85.3 per cent.

Though below the government's target of 95 per cent, it is higher than other areas in the north east, such as Gateshead, which only has an 80 per cent uptake.

"This means that the number of children catching measles is likely to increase further," Dr Marshall said.

"Worryingly, there are also many children out there who were not vaccinated as toddlers over the past decade and remain unprotected.

"Measles, which is highly infectious, is spreading easily among these unvaccinated children who are now teenagers."

A spokeswoman for the HPA said that scare stories and other media coverage of research linking MMR to autism, now widely discredited, was "one of the factors" contributing to the low uptake in North Tyneside.

In his leading blog, science journalist Ben Goldacre says the British media has created a "vaccine panic" which lead to a mumps outbreak in 2005, and is now worsening the spread of measles.

"Measles is not a trivial infection for everyone who gets it," Mr Goldacre says on his 'Bad Science' blog.

"Some will have brain damage, some will die.

"The debate is no longer about MMR, it is about the dangers of an ill-informed media.

"That's why I'm so glad to see that people are finally take notice of how startlingly irresponsible so many journalists and editors have been in this regard."

The HPA is urging parents in Blyth and Wansbeck to ask their GPs to immunise their unprotected children with the MMR vaccine.

The full article contains 433 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

* Last Updated: 17 July 2009 7:55 AM
* Source: n/a
* Location: Blyth, Northumberland

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...ast_kids_infected_by_measles_passes_100_mark/

Cases confirmed in Hartlepool, Teesside, County Durham and Darlington

2:40pm Friday 17th July 2009


HEALTH officials have made a renewed appeal for North-East children to be vaccinated against measles after the number of infected children passed the 100 mark.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) urged parents who believe their children have not had both the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) triple vaccine that provides protection against measles to contact their doctor and arrange for them to be vaccinated.

The advice came as official HPA figures showed there have been 110 confirmed cases in the North-East since January. More than 100 other suspected cases are under investigation.

As the number continues to grow - in what is the region's largest measles outbreak for almost 20 years - experts warn children not fully vaccinated are at risk.

NHS officials in Hartlepool - where there have been 60 confirmed cases - have already immunised 344 primary school children and 100 school staff to stop the disease spreading.

Other measles hotspots are in Teesside, where there are 12 cases and County Durham and Darlington, where there are 24 cases.

A campaign to increase public awareness over protecting children from the disease is under way in County Durham and Darlington.

A handbook containing advice and guidance on measles and the MMR vaccine will be sent to all homes in County Durham and selected outlets in Darlington.

Dr Roberta Marshall, spokeswoman for the HPA in the North-East, said: "Latest MMR uptake figures show that only 86 per cent of eligible children have received both doses of the vaccine by their fifth birthday. Currently, about one in every 10 children in the North-East is at risk of contracting the disease."

In some parts of the region the uptake is even lower, which means that the number of children catching measles "is likely to increase further", she added.

Measles is a potentially serious illness which can - on rare occasions - prove fatal. There is no treatment but it can be prevented by two doses of MMR vaccine.

Symptoms inclulde a fever, a cough, runny nose, sore eyes and then a rash which starts on the face and neck and spreads down the body.

Anyone concerned about measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct (0845 ...) for more information

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/new...ed_of_measles_case_1_584655?referrerPath=home

Parents warned of measles case

By HELEN COMPSON

Last updated 09:47, Friday, 17 July 2009

THE first school in Tynedale to report a confirmed case of swine flu notched up another first this week when it reported a suspected case of measles.

The Health Protection Agency alerted parents on Wednesday that a pupil at St Joseph?s Middle School in Hexham is thought to have the highly infectious disease.

The letter exhorts parents to ensure their children have had the two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine necessary to offer them maximum protection.

Suspected cases should be kept at home until at least five days after the rash first appears, it adds.

And GPs? practices should be alerted to the fact that measles is suspected before appointments are made.

Since January, 110 confirmed cases have been reported in the North-East and another 100 suspected cases are under investigation.

In what is the region?s largest outbreak of measles for 20 years, the HPA warns that children not fully vaccinated are at risk of developing serious complications.

Acting regional director Dr Roberta Marshall said: ?The uptake rate for the MMR vaccine is still well below the Government target of 95 per cent which the World Health Organisation advises is necessary to prevent the widespread return of measles.

?The latest uptake figures for January to March show that only 86 per cent of eligible children have received both doses of the vaccine by their fifth birthday.

?Currently, one in every ten children in the North-East is at risk of contracting the disease.?

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Measles-warning-to-Leeds-parents.5518929.jp

Measles warning to Leeds parents


Published Date: 04 August 2009
By Jo Francisco
PARENTS are urged to vaccinate children against measles as Leeds has been named as one of the country's hotspots.
The city is one of 12 in England targeted by a Department of Health roadshow visiting towns with high numbers of children under five who have a low uptake of the MMR vaccination.

The roadshow will give parents the chance to talk to health professionals and get the facts on measles and other childhood illness, including the most effective ways to prevent them.

Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "It is great news that the 'Measles: Is your child safe?' roadshow is going to visit so many towns and cities around the country.

"The number of cases of measles is on the increase and we need to warn all parents about the potential dangers of this infection.

"They need to be aware that if their child is not immunised and comes into contact with a child infected with measles, there is around a 90 per cent chance they will catch measles."

The roadshow will be in Leeds on Briggate on Friday August 7.

For more information about measles and the MMR vaccine, visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/MMR.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4528027.Brighton_a_measles_hotspot__Government_says/

Brighton a measles hotspot, Government says

12:35pm Tuesday 4th August 2009


Brighton is one of 12 measles hotspots in England being visited by a Department of Health roadshow during the next few weeks.

Health workers are taking part in a campaign to boost the number of children being given the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is coming to Sussex.

Parents will be able to speak to professionals about the disease and the MMR vaccine.

There have been more than 60 measles cases in Brighton and Hove this year, ten times the amount for the whole of 2008.

The city has a vaccine take up rate of about 80%, well short of the 95% the World Health Organisation says is necessary to protect a population.

The Department of Health said more than two million children in England were at risk from measles because they have missed either their first or second MMR jab.

About one in 15 children who catch measles will develop more serious complications such as deafness, meningitis or brain damage.

One in 5,000 will die.

Department of Health director of immunisation Dr David Salisbury said: ?Parents need to be aware that if their child is not immunised and comes into contact with a child infected with measles, there is about a 90% chance they will catch the disease.?

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/news/article-12295-health-bosses-warn-of-measles-outbreak/

Health bosses warn of measles outbreak
9:30am Fri 7th Aug 09:: written by Terry Pattinson


Slough could be facing a measles outbreak unless more children are vaccinated, health chiefs warned this week.

The borough has been identified as one of 12 measles 'hotspots' in the country which are now being targeted by a government roadshow.

Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester, Brighton and Guildford are already experiencing measles outbreaks. Other at-risk areas being targeted include Leeds, Rotherham, Nottingham, Norwich, Ipswich, Reading and Slough.

The concern is down to the numbers of under fives who have not had the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination.

Measles is highly infectious and 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.

Professor David Salisbury, director of immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "The number of cases of measles is on the increase and we need to warn all parents about the potential dangers of this infection."

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/4546046.Sharp_rise_in_measles_and_mumps/

Sharp rise in measles and mumps

11:10am Friday 14th August 2009


HEALTH chiefs have urged parents to immunise their children after the number of cases of mumps and measles in Bolton jumped in the last year.

According to new figures, there were 11 confirmed cases of mumps in the first six months of this year, compared to none in the same period of 2008. A further 22 suspected cases were not confirmed by laboratory tests.

There were also four cases of measles from January to June, compared to only one in the first six months of last year. Another 28 cases of measles were unconfirmed, compared to 11 unconfirmed cases in same period in 2008.

The figures have been released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

It is now urging parents to make sure their children are immunised against both diseases by having the MMR vaccine.

Dr Paul Cleary said: ?We are concerned at the increasing numbers of cases of mumps and measles being reported.

?Children and young adults can be safely and effectively protected from measles and mumps by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine.

?Unfortunately, many children have not had this, and as a result we are now seeing more children affected by measles and mumps infections.

?They are very infectious and unpleasant infections that can cause serious complications, including encephalitis, even in healthy children.

?I would urge all parents to protect their children against these infections.?

In the North West, 481 confirmed cases of mumps were reported to the HPA by the middle of 2009 ? a rise of more than 350 per cent compared to the same period in 2007.

There have also been 92 confirmed cases of measles reported in the first half of 2009. Only two cases were reported in the same period last year.

Greater Manchester is the worst in the North West for both diseases, with 197 confirmed cases of mumps and of 48 of measles.

Those most affected by mumps have been young adults aged between 15 and 24, while most measles cases in recent years have occurred among children aged under five.

lucy.ewing@ theboltonnews.co.uk

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=23&storycode=4123462&c=2

Measles cases continue to surge

18 Aug 09

By Gareth Iacobucci

Measles cases are continuing to spiral, after mid-year figures showed almost as many cases in the first six months of 2009 as there were in the whole of last year.

The latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there were 1,035 cases in England and Wales between January-June 2009, compared to 1,370 for the whole of last year, which was itself a 36% increase on 2007 figures.

The largest number of cases reported by the end of June was in the South East (267), followed by London (173) and Wales (136).
Click here to find out more!

81% of cases confirmed so far this year have been in children and young adults under 18 years old.

The HPA warned earlier this year that surge in the number of children contracting the illness was a direct result of not being vaccinated in earlier childhood, due to fears surrounding the safety of the MMR vaccine.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co...easles__parents_warned_to_vaccinate_children/

Halton parents urged to protect their children after huge soar in measles and mumps
5:40pm Monday 24th August 2009
By World reporter ?


AN alarming rise in mumps and measles has put a record number of young people at risk of serious illness, warn health chiefs.

Cases have soared by more than 350 per cent compared with 2007, with 481 confirmed cases of mumps recorded in the north west.

There have also been 92 confirmed cases of meales in the first half of 2009 - a huge increase on 2007 when there were only two cases.

Dr Paul Cleary, acting consultant regional epidemiologist for the health protection agency, said: ?We are concerned at the increasing numbers of cases of mumps and measles being reported.

?Measles and mumps are very infectious and unpleasant infections that can cause serious complications, including encephalitis, even in healthy children.

?I would urge all parents to protect their children against these infections.?

Youngsters aged between 15 and 24 are the age groups most affected by mumps and children under five are most susceptible to measles.

Dr Cleary said that children and young adults can be safely and effectively immunised against measles and mumps by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine.

He added: ?Unfortunately, many children have not had this and, as a result, we are now seeing more children affected by measles and mumps infections.?

There were 196 confirmed cases of mumps and 30 confirmed cases of measles in Cheshire and Merseyside, according to the latest figures for the middle week of July.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/4580124.Measles_outbreak_looms_for_Sussex/

Measles outbreak looms for Sussex

1:00pm Friday 4th September 2009
By Siobhan Ryan, Health Reporter ?


Thousands of children are at risk of developing measles because not enough of them are being immunised.

New figures show take up rates for the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine across Sussex are still not high enough to prevent an outbreak.

The World Health Organisation recommends that 95% of a population need to be immunised to offer the best level of protection.

However the rates of children getting their first dose of the MMR vaccine by their second birthday in 2008/9 range from 91% across East Sussex and 90% in West Sussex to as low as 85% in Brighton and Hove.

The figure drops even lower for those children to have received two doses of the vaccine by their fifth birthday with Brighton having the smallest rate at 69%.

However this was a sharp rise on the year before when the city had a percentage of 62%.

East Sussex Downs and Weald and West Sussex have an 82% rate while 78% of children in Hastings and Rother are protected.

The latest figures were published by the NHS Information Centre with the national average standing at 85% for the first jab and 78% for both.

Health bosses say the numbers have improved on the year before and the message is starting to get through.

Brighton and Hove has experienced an outbreak of measles this year with more than 60 confirmed cases since January, ten times the number for the whole of 2008.

City director of public health Tom Scanlon believes the actual number is probably more than 100 because not every case was tested.

The city was targeted by a national MMR roadshow last month after being designated a measles hotspot by the Department of Health.

Dr Scanlon said: ?We have seen a steady increase in childhood immunisation rates over the past year.

?More than 90 babies in every hundred are receiving their baby jabs, for example, and we have seen a rise in the number of children having their MMR jab.

?Unfortunately it is still not enough as the measles outbreak earlier this year demonstrated.

?We urge parents to immunise their child against measles, mumps and rubella which can cause serious health problems.

?We review the position regularly and are always looking for new opportunities to inform parents and encourage them to give their children the best protection they can.?

About one in 15 children who catch measles will develop more serious complications like deafness, meningitis or brain damage.

About one in 5,000 who contract the virus die.

The year before the MMR vaccine was introduced, 86,000 children caught measles and 16 died.

Take up rates for MMR dropped sharply in the late 1990s after a now discredited link between the vaccine and autism was published in The Lancet.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: UK:Fears of measles epidemic as cases soar to 13-year high

Source: http://www.birminghampost.net/news/...s-cases-soar-in-west-midlands-65233-24688344/


Measles cases soar in West Midlands

Sep 15 2009 by Alison Dayani, Birmingham Post


Parents are being warned to protect their children against the dangerous measles virus after nearly 100 cases emerged in the Midlands ? most of them involving those who had not had the MMR jab.

The Health Protection Agency in the West Midlands is urging parents to ensure youngsters are fully protected with two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine as schools reopen for the new academic year and infections spread more rapidly.

Department of Health figures show there were 92 laboratory confirmed cases of measles identified in the region between January and July this year ? but 88 had not received the vaccine and four had received just one dose.

A surge in measles cases also saw 425 notifications of the illness in the West Midlands up to the week ending August 21, which is 231 more than at the same time a year ago.

Of those, 270, or 64 per cent, were in children under five years of age.

Dr Gillian Smith, consultant regional epidemiologist with the Health Protection Agency in the West Midlands, said: ?Measles is a highly infectious and dangerous illness and can spread with ease in the close environment of a school.

?Prevention is far better than cure, as in extreme cases measles can lead to life threatening conditions.?