The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has officially declared a national incident due to a significant increase in measles cases across the United Kingdom.
Jenny Harries, the chief executive of UKHSA, emphasized the urgent need for immediate action to enhance the adoption of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially in regions where vaccine coverage is low.
Harries stressed the importance of a sustained, long-term effort to safeguard individuals and prevent large-scale measles outbreaks. Measles is highly contagious, manifesting mild symptoms such as rash, high fever, and ear infections, but can also lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death. Those most vulnerable include babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
As of January 18, the West Midlands has reported 216 confirmed and 103 probable cases since October 1, 2023, with approximately 80% of cases concentrated in Birmingham and around 10% in Coventry, predominantly affecting children under 10 years old.
Given the low vaccine uptake in certain communities, there is a substantial risk of the virus spreading to other towns and cities, according to Harries.
Recent data from the UKHSA reveals that MMR vaccine uptake is currently at its lowest point in over a decade, with only 84.5% of children receiving two doses by the age of five during the 2022-23 period.
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