MEASLES OUTBREAK BRITISH TOURISTS ON ALERT
TENS of thousands of young British holidaymakers are at risk of serious illness this summer because they missed out on the MMR jab 20 years ago, health chiefs warned last night.
Fears of a new UK measles epidemic have grown after a three-fold increase in cases of the highly infectious viral disease in a year.
Those most at risk of the potentially deadly infection are young adults who did not receive the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in 1998.
Many children were not vaccinated that year after disgraced doctor Andrew Wakefield falsely linked the vaccine with autism and bowel disease.
His claims sparked worldwide panic before they were found to be false and withdrawn.
Experts said those born at the height of the controversy were most in danger as measles is rife in many popular European holiday destinations.
Worried doctors said Wakefield’s legacy and plans for a summer of travel for many young Britons is a “perfect storm” that could see measles cases spiral out of control.
Children born between 1998 and 2002 may have missed one or both doses of the MMR jab, given just before a baby’s first birthday and at three years, four months.
Rose Gallagher, head of infection control at the Royal College of Nursing, said: “Fears over the combined MMR vaccine may have prevented some children getting this essential, possibly life-saving vaccination.
“Twenty years on, this has left thousands of unprotected young adults vulnerable, especially those bound for Europe this summer.
“Measles is extremely infectious, and while many will suffer no long-lasting effects, it can cause life-threatening complications in vulnerable people, particularly young children.”
Measles is easily spread through the air, particularly in crowded places. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis before a rash appears.
Symptoms can last up to 10 days and, although extremely unpleasant, people usually recover fully. However, in some cases, measles can lead to serious and potentially deadly conditions including pneumonia and encephalitis.
Since the beginning of the year there have been more than 757 cases of measles reported in various outbreaks across England, nearly three times as many as the 274 confirmed cases in 2017. The outbreaks have been associated with travel to Greece, Romania, Italy and France. There have been at least 49 measles deaths reported in the EU since 2016. Unlike most travel vaccinations which take longer to become effective, the MMR jab provides protection in around 10 days. But complacency means people travelling to Europe rarely feel the need to vaccinate themselves.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: “The measles outbreaks we are currently seeing in England are linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. The majority of cases are in teenagers and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine when children.
“Anyone who missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past or is unsure if they had two doses should contact their GP to catch up.”