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The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has officially declared a national incident in response to a significant increase in measles cases throughout the country.
In a statement, Jenny Harries, the chief executive of UKHSA, emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to enhance the uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are low.
Harries stated, “We need a long-term concerted effort to protect individuals and to prevent large measles outbreaks.”
Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms ranging from a rash, high fever, and ear infections in mild cases to severe illness, hospitalization, and, in rare instances, death. Infants, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk.
As of January 18, the West Midlands has reported 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases since October 1, 2023. Birmingham accounts for approximately 80% of the cases, with Coventry representing about 10%, primarily affecting children under 10 years old.
Given the low vaccine uptake in certain communities, there is a significant risk of the virus spreading to other towns and cities, warned Harries.
Recent data from UKHSA reveals that MMR vaccine uptake is currently at its lowest level in over a decade. In the 2022-23 period, only 84.5% of children had received two doses of the vaccine by the age of five. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for immediate and sustained efforts to boost vaccination rates and mitigate the risk of widespread measles outbreaks.
