Latest news with #DrAlasdairWood
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Experts warn Glastonbury could be high risk for measles outbreak
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that festivals, including Glastonbury, are high-risk environments for measles spread due to ongoing outbreaks across England. Measles cases are primarily affecting unvaccinated children under 10, but cases have also been reported in young people and adults. Dr. Alasdair Wood of UKHSA South West urges festival-goers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and to contact their GP for an appointment if needed. The UKHSA is also seeing an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people and advises early testing. Measles cases are rising globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting a significant increase in Europe, and outbreaks have been seen in several European countries, prompting the UKHSA to urge vaccination before travelling abroad.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Glastonbury festival-goers warned over surge in highly infectious measles cases
Glastonbury festival-goers have been urged to check they are vaccinated for measles amid an increasing number of outbreaks of the highly infectious disease. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that measles is 'circulating across the country and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread'. There are 'ongoing outbreaks' of measles in a number of regions across England and in London, according to the UKHSA's June update. Cases have mainly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, however, there are reported cases in young people and adults. Glastonbury festival gets underway on 25th June and attracts families as well as other music fans. Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West told ITV: 'We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. 'Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible. 'Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival'. Dr Wood said the agency was also seeing an increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly affecting young people. He urged people to get tested early to detect any potential infections early. Measles cases are on the rise worldwide, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting 127,350 cases in Europe in 2024. This was double the number of cases reported in 2023, and the highest number since 1997. Outbreaks have already been seen this year in France, Italy, Spain and Germany, with the UKHSA urging people to get vaccinated before they travel abroad. In England, there has been a decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations, leaving many thousands of children unprotected. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.' Glastonbury festival has sold a 'few thousand less tickets' this year in a bid to avoid overcrowding, organiser Emily Eavis revealed this week.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Glastonbury warning over ‘highly infectious' disease as health officials urge festival-goers to take precautions
PEOPLE heading to Glastonbury and other festivals this year have been warned of about a "circulating" infection amid ongoing outbreaks across Europe. With thousands set to head to Worthy Farm for the UK's biggest music festival, from June 25 to June 2, health officials are urging those attending to take precautions. 4 4 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned measles is "circulating across the country" - with case numbers particularly high in the South West. In its latest report, the UKHSA confirmed 109 cases of the Victorian-era disease were recorded in April and 86 in May. And unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under have been the worst hit. Families going abroad for their summer holidays this year, and people mixing in large crowds at festivals, has raised fears of another surge of measles cases across the country. Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, told ITV News: "We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. "Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible. "Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. "If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival. "If you feel unwell or have been advised isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so." Measles is a serious illness that can cause complications in some people, particularly younger children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Powerful new video urges all parents to protect their children from surge of deadly Victorian disease as millions 'at risk' Most people with measles see it resolve on its own. But serious complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), or even death. The virus is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, says the NHS. And you're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around four days before the rash appears) until four days after you get the rash. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, and a cough, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. 4 4 A few days after the cold-like symptoms, a rash usually appears. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Spots are sometimes raised and join together, and aren't usually itchy. The most effective way to protect yourself and others from measles is through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer lifelong protection. In the UK, children are typically offered the first dose at 12 months old and the second at three years and four months. If you get measles, it's crucial to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage symptoms. You should also stay home to prevent spreading the infection, as measles is highly contagious. Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experience difficulty breathing, seizures, confusion, decreased alertness, or signs of severe dehydration. Other warning signs include severe vomiting or diarrhoea, chest pain, neck stiffness, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed. Expert answers MMR questions TO help deal with parental concerns, Professor Helen Bedford, a specialist in child public health at University College London, tells you all you need to know about the MMR vaccine. When is the vaccine given? The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. It's typically given via a single shot into the muscle of the thigh or the upper arm. The first dose is offered to children at the age of one (babies younger than this may have some protection from antibodies passed on from their mother, which start to wear off at about 12 months.) The second dose is then offered to children aged three years and four months before they start school. To check to see if you or your child have had the recommended two doses of MMR, you can look at their/your Personal Child Health Record, also known as the red book. If you can't find the red book, call your GP and ask them for your vaccine records. You are never too old to catch up with your MMR vaccine. If you see from your vaccination records that you did not receive two doses as a child, you can book a vaccination appointment. Is the vaccine safe? The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella. In the UK, we started using the jab in 1988, so we have decades of experience using it. The jab is made from much-weakened live versions of the three viruses. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that are protective in the face of future exposure. It takes up to three weeks after having the vaccine to be fully protected. Like any vaccine, the MMR jab can cause side-effects, which are usually mild and go away very quickly. This includes rash, high temperature, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell for about two or three days. There is also a very small chance children can have a severe allergic reaction. But compared to the complications of measles, there is no contest that vaccination is by far the safest and most effective route to take. Why was it linked with autism? In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a now-discredited paper in medical journal The Lancet. The paper suggested that the MMR vaccine might be associated with autism and a form of bowel disease. It led to a sharp decline in vaccination rates. Even at the time, the research was considered poor. The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after Wakefield's article was found 'dishonest' by the General Medical Council. He was later struck off and subsequently, in 2011, the British Medical Journal declared the story fraudulent. Does it contain ingredients from pigs? There are two types of MMR jabs: One with gelatin (animal/pig collagen), and one without it. For some religious groups, the inclusion of pig products is not acceptable. Those people should ask for the vaccine without gelatin.
