Menu
08/08/2003
Concern grows over measles resurgence
Health experts have expressed fears that the decline in uptake of MMR vaccination could lead to a serious measles outbreak in the near future.
A paper published in the most recent edition of Science Journal looks at the risk of measles re-establishing itself in this country and becoming an endemic disease.
The study, carried out by a number of researchers from Royal Holloway University of London, Imperial College London and the Health Protection Agency (HPA), indicated that more outbreaks of measles in England and Wales occurred between 1999-2002 than the previous four years.
Dr Mary Ramsay, from the HPA and one of the authors of the paper, said: “Although the current rate of measles has decreased significantly since the late 1960s, when we would see up to 800,000 notifications in a year, this latest piece of research shows we are now seeing a rise in local outbreaks.
"We are concerned that if this pattern continues, the increasing number of unvaccinated people could lead to an increase in the number of susceptible children, which in turn could lead to measles re-establishing itself as an endemic disease. This is why it’s vitally important to reassure parents that MMR is the safest and most effective method of protecting our children."
(SP)
A paper published in the most recent edition of Science Journal looks at the risk of measles re-establishing itself in this country and becoming an endemic disease.
The study, carried out by a number of researchers from Royal Holloway University of London, Imperial College London and the Health Protection Agency (HPA), indicated that more outbreaks of measles in England and Wales occurred between 1999-2002 than the previous four years.
Dr Mary Ramsay, from the HPA and one of the authors of the paper, said: “Although the current rate of measles has decreased significantly since the late 1960s, when we would see up to 800,000 notifications in a year, this latest piece of research shows we are now seeing a rise in local outbreaks.
"We are concerned that if this pattern continues, the increasing number of unvaccinated people could lead to an increase in the number of susceptible children, which in turn could lead to measles re-establishing itself as an endemic disease. This is why it’s vitally important to reassure parents that MMR is the safest and most effective method of protecting our children."
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2013
Measles Outbreak Now Over 800 Cases
The ongoing measles outbreak in Swansea has now increased to 808 cases. 43 more cases of the disease have been reported since Tuesday, Public Health Wales (PHW) has said. An MMR vaccination campaign was launched in schools in parts of mid and south Wales, but local health officials have said the campaign had got off to a "disappointing" start.
Measles Outbreak Now Over 800 Cases
The ongoing measles outbreak in Swansea has now increased to 808 cases. 43 more cases of the disease have been reported since Tuesday, Public Health Wales (PHW) has said. An MMR vaccination campaign was launched in schools in parts of mid and south Wales, but local health officials have said the campaign had got off to a "disappointing" start.
09 April 2013
Swansea Measles Outbreak At Over 600 Cases
A measles outbreak in Swansea has reached 620 cases, as health officials warn there is no sign of the epidemic coming to an end. Latest figures show around 15 to 20 new cases being reported every day, and an increase of 32 cases last Friday alone.
Swansea Measles Outbreak At Over 600 Cases
A measles outbreak in Swansea has reached 620 cases, as health officials warn there is no sign of the epidemic coming to an end. Latest figures show around 15 to 20 new cases being reported every day, and an increase of 32 cases last Friday alone.
16 April 2013
Swansea Measles Outbreak 'Could Continue For Weeks'
As health officials warn that the outbreak could continue for weeks, the number of measles cases in Swansea has now reached 765. The total has increased by another 72 cases since last Thursday, with 77 people being hospitalised since the start of the outbreak in November.
Swansea Measles Outbreak 'Could Continue For Weeks'
As health officials warn that the outbreak could continue for weeks, the number of measles cases in Swansea has now reached 765. The total has increased by another 72 cases since last Thursday, with 77 people being hospitalised since the start of the outbreak in November.
03 April 2013
Measles Outbreak Prompts 'Extra Jab' Call
An outbreak of measles has prompted Public Health Wales (PHW) to offer some babies the MMR vaccine seven months early. The recommendation comes after more than 400 people in Swansea were affected by the illness. In some cases, the early vaccination means children would receive three doses of MMR rather than the usual two.
Measles Outbreak Prompts 'Extra Jab' Call
An outbreak of measles has prompted Public Health Wales (PHW) to offer some babies the MMR vaccine seven months early. The recommendation comes after more than 400 people in Swansea were affected by the illness. In some cases, the early vaccination means children would receive three doses of MMR rather than the usual two.
31 May 2013
Wales' Measles Epidemic 'Is Slowing Down'
Medics in Swansea have said the measles epidemic in the town is now slowing. However, they added that there are still too many young people not protected against the disease. According to Public Health Wales (PHW), six new cases have been reported since Tuesday, taking the number of cases in the outbreak to 1,158 since November.
Wales' Measles Epidemic 'Is Slowing Down'
Medics in Swansea have said the measles epidemic in the town is now slowing. However, they added that there are still too many young people not protected against the disease. According to Public Health Wales (PHW), six new cases have been reported since Tuesday, taking the number of cases in the outbreak to 1,158 since November.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
