Measles jab warning as Europe sees 41,000 cases
Holidaymakers have been given fresh warnings to ensure they are vaccinated against measles after it emerged European cases have reached an eight-year high. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned the number of cases of the highly infectious disease during 2018 have already outstripped any year since 2010. It has blamed low MMR vaccination rates, which slumped after Bath gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield published a paper wrongly alleging a link between the vaccine and autism. The paper, published in the Lancet in 1998, was retracted and Wakefield, who had not declared he was taking money from solicitors hoping to pursue vaccine damage cases, was struck off the medical register for dishonesty and irresponsibility. Across Europe there were more than 41,000 measles cases recorded during the first six months of 2018, including 37 deaths. The WHO said the highest annual total for measles cases since 2010 was recorded in 2017 when 23,927 cases were identified. The global health body said France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine have had more than 1,000 cases each so far in 2018. Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) issued further warnings for people who are travelling to countries with outbreaks. It said people should ensure they are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination before travel. Meanwhile, those who are starting university or attending festivals should also make sure they are protected. Figures from the health body show that from January 1 to August 6 there were 807 laboratory confirmed measles cases. PHE said many cases have been linked to ongoing outbreaks in Europe. It said 58 per cent of confirmed cases have been among children aged 15 and younger, who missed out on their MMR vaccine when they were younger. Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “We would encourage people to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccine before travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks, heading to large gatherings such as festivals, or before starting university.” Wakefield has continued to defend his research and conclusions, saying there was no fraud, hoax or profit motive when he suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and the appearance of autism and bowel disease.