Holidaymakers warned of measles risk over summer after European outbreaks

ITV News

3 days ago

Holidaymakers are being warned over a potential rise in measles across Europe, as the summer break draws closer.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that cases in Europe had reached their highest level in almost three decades last year, with more than 127,000 cases.
It warned that a decline in childhood vaccinations in England, including the MMR jab that protects against measles, is leaving more children at risk of disease.
The UKHSA also raised concerns that people could bring back the contagious disease to England after holidaying abroad this summer.
So far this year in Europe, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide.
The health authority said that it is 'concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks'.
Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications.
People with this infection have a number of cold and flu-like symptoms and a rash appears a few days after symptoms start. On rare occasions, measles can also lead to meningitis and brain swelling, which can cause long-term disabilities or even death.
You can catch measles through close contact with someone who is infected with the virus. This could be from particles in the air when they cough or sneeze, or by touching things that someone with measles has coughed or sneezed on. Measles spreads very easily in households and other places where people mix closely together.
Around 1 in 15 people with measles can become seriously unwell. Younger children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk of becoming seriously unwell.
The UKHSA said that the decline in uptake of childhood vaccinations during the past decade means that 'many thousands of children are left unprotected'.
The UKHSA urged families planning for their summer holidays to check their vaccination status before travelling, and to make sure particularly that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
If you or a member of your family needs to get an MMR vaccine, this can be arranged by contacting your GP surgery or doctor. Some pharmacies can now also offer MMR vaccines.
As well as a rise in cases across Europe, health experts warned of continuing pockets of cases in England, particularly London.
New figures from the UKHSA show that in England there were 109 cases of measles confirmed in April and 86 in May. Most cases were among unvaccinated children aged 10 and under, although there have been some cases among unvaccinated young people and adults.
Almost half of the cases in the last four weeks were in London, with outbreaks also seen in the North West and the West Midlands.
'It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family,' said UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba.
'Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
'Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday.
'The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles.
'It is never too late to catch up, if you're not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don't put it off and regret it later.'