Measles alert as children go unvaccinated Parents urged to seek MMR vaccine as city cases revealed
HEALTH chiefs have issued an urgent warning as they confirmed that nine children have contracted measles in Birmingham.
The alert comes just weeks after the World Health Organisation said the UK had eliminated the illness.
Parents are being urged to ensure their family has had the MMR vaccinations in the wake of the outbreak of the highly infectious illness.
It follows the set-back sparked by discredited researcher Andrew Wakefield who falsely claimed the vaccine can lead to autism in dren.
Measles can lead to serious chest infections, ear infections, brain swelling and, in some cases, brain damage. Younger children are particularly vulnerable but anyone with weakened immune systems – such as cancer patients – are also at risk.
People are being urged to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS 111 for advice if they suspect they could be suffering from measles.
Most of those involved in the recent cases had not received the required two doses of MMR vaccine.
Consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England West Midlands, Dr Bharat Sibal, said: chil- “Those affected in Birmingham are all recovering but it’s important to be aware that measles can be a very serious illness and lead to severe complications, especially in people who are particularly vulnerable or have other health conditions.
“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. If you think you could have measles, it is really important to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with lots of other people – especially vulnerable patients in hospitals, care homes or other settings.
“It is possible for anyone at any age to get measles and the illness can be more severe in teenagers and adults than in young children.”
Public Health England has reported an increase in measles across the country over the year.
Dr Sibal added: “The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
“It’s particularly important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age.
“If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly in light of the recent cases in Birmingham.”