'Unprecedented' Rise In Measles Cases

A resurgence of measles in Britain has been highlighted by new figures released today.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) showed there were 1,217 cases from January to November 2008 in England and Wales.

A slump in vaccination has been blamed on unfounded fears about side effects of the MMR jab for measles, mumps and rubella.

In October, 72 cases were reported and the figure for September was 83.

Year-on-year, the number of people suffering from measles is on the rise, with 990 cases reported in the whole of 2007.

Three quarters of the 115 cases diagnosed in November were reported in the West Midlands, North West and South East.

Most of these cases are linked with outbreaks in nurseries, primary and secondary schools and there have been outbreaks in traveller communities in the West Midlands and South East.

The HPA's Dr Mary Ramsay said the MMR uptake over the past decade was "relatively low".

She added: "We are still experiencing an unprecedented increase in measles cases across England and Wales."

"The Agency is concerned that we may see measles epidemics take hold. We again are urging parents to get their children vaccinated. Although MMR coverage is starting to improve, we cannot stress enough that measles is serious and in some cases it can be fatal. Delaying immunisation puts children at risk."

The HPA says too few children are receiving both doses of the combined measles, mumps and rubella jab. Sixty per cent of cases were seen in children aged under 15.

Dr Ramsay warned: "Measles is a very serious infection as it can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis, even in healthy children. It is highly infectious and can be passed on without direct contact before the rash appears.

"This is why it's incredibly important to continue to remind parents about the benefits of having their children vaccinated with two doses of MMR for optimum protection. It is never too late to get vaccinated."

(JM)(BMcC)