Latest news with #MumpsandRubella
STV News
5 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Plea to take up vaccine as measles cases on rise in Scotland
Scotland's public health body has urged people to take up a vaccine against measles as cases are on the rise. Public Health Scotland (PHS) confirmed there have been 26 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025. There were 24 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2024 and one in 2023. Cases of the disease, which can be a very serious condition causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), are on the rise across Europe and parts of the world. Health experts are urging people to take up the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses said to be the best way to be fully protected against measles. The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at three years and four months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age, say health experts. Uptake of the vaccine has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Dr Claire Cameron, consultant in health protection at PHS said: 'As measles cases continue to increase across the world, we're working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. 'Anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Measles cases soar in Scotland as health chiefs issue vaccination plea
Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death. The number of measles cases has soared in Scotland with more infections recorded in the first five months of 2025 than the whole of last year. Health chiefs have warned that this number could continue to rise as the infection sweeps across Europe. As of May, there were 26 confirmed cases in Scotland - compared to just 24 last year. Although numbers remain small, health experts fear low vaccination rates in some areas could lead to an infection spike. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It says having two doses of the jab is the best way to be fully protected against measles. Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: 'As measles cases continue to increase across the world, we're working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. "Anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death. It can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the number of cases in Europe was at its highest level for 25 years. WHO regional director Henri Kluge called the surge in infections a "wake-up call". He said: " Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security." Uptake in Scotland remains high, with 90% of children having two doses by the age of six. However, WHO recommends at least 95% of children are vaccinated. The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at three years 4 months. If it's missed at these times, it can be given at any age. PHS has warned a risk of infection remains in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Further information on how to check if you or your child is fully protected can be found on MMR against measles | NHS inform.
Business Journals
22-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
Measles: What to know to protect yourself and your family
Measles is circulating in the United States, with five cases to date identified in Colorado. Measles is not just a mild rash; it is a serious illness and very contagious. It can also have serious complications, especially for babies and young children. The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is by staying current on immunizations. 'We know that the vaccine is very effective in preventing measles, and it is very safe. We also know that many parents have questions about the vaccine; we recommend speaking with your doctor to address any concerns.' said Dr. Karen Funk, senior medical director of primary care for Intermountain Health Peaks Region. Measles infects 90% of people not immunized who are exposed to the virus. Measles is transmitted through coughs and sneezes and can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. About one out of five people who get measles will be hospitalized. Severe complications include pneumonia encephalitis (brain swelling), which can cause permanent brain damage, or even death. Measles symptoms develop about seven to 14 days after exposure and include: Fever Cough Runny nose Red eyes After three to four days, a rash appears Measles rash is red and blotchy and typically starts on the hairline and face, then spreads downwards to the rest of the body. The rash usually presents three or four days after the fever. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others in the four days before and after the rash appears, which is important to know if you go to seek care or be tested. Who is most at risk: Infants Children under 5 years old Pregnant women People with weakened immune systems, such as from cancer, leukemia, certain medications and HIV infection Adults over age 20 How you can protect yourself: Get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine according to CDC's recommended immunization schedule for children. Determine whether you are protected from measles. Visit Get a Copy of Your Immunization Records | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to learn how to request your immunization records. Call your health care provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed. If you or your child have measles symptoms, please do one of the following: When possible, use a Telehealth or virtual appointment to connect with your medical provider. These offer a safe, effective alternative to verify symptoms, reduce the risk of transmission and receive timely guidance. If an in-person visit is necessary, call ahead to the clinic or hospital so care teams can implement appropriate infection prevention protocols and minimize exposure to others. 'It is important that you do not visit a physician's office, emergency room, lab or any medical clinic without first calling the facility and informing them of your possible exposure to measles,' Funk said. 'This will enable the facility to take the necessary precautions to protect others, which may include babies and others at high risk, from possible exposure.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Declining vaccination rates put Oregonians ‘at risk' of measles outbreak
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As cases of measles rise nationwide and Oregon vaccination rates drop; local and state health officials warn the highly infectious disease could make a comeback. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1,000 cases of measles have been reported across 31 jurisdictions this year. Several outbreaks have claimed the lives of at least three people, two of them children and all of them unvaccinated. So far, Oregon has not reported any known cases of the airborne disease. However, the state is lagging behind on vaccination rates, especially among school-aged kids. According to OHA data, the percentage of Oregon kindergartners fully vaccinated against measles sank from more than 94% in 2015, to just 90% in 2025. 'We had eradicated measles in the United States in the early 1990s,' said Clackamas County Health Officer Dr. Sarah Present. 'We're at the point that is at risk.' She added, 'Because we've not had measles spread in the United States for so many years, people don't know necessarily how serious the disease could be. It really can be deadly, but some of the other effects of the measles virus on the body, on the neurologic system, on the lungs and the heart, are really severe and can have long, lasting effects on people.' Last year, Oregon saw the largest measles outbreak since 1991. The Oregon Health Authority recorded 31 cases in 2024, all of which were concentrated in Marion and Clackamas Counties. Dr. Present said the current Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage for school-aged children is about 90% -that's below the 95% needed for herd immunity. 'We've had a steady decline since 2020,' Present said. 'There are some schools themselves or some communities that have very low vaccination rates, and so there could be very rapid spread of the disease if it were to be introduced into those areas.' Experts aren't sure what is driving the drop in vaccination rates, but Dr. Present told KOIN 6 News a lack of vaccine access, and the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't helped. '[The pandemic] changed people's access to care, especially in our rural communities,' Present explained. 'So, many people, just out of convenience, choose not to vaccinate because they don't have good access to it. There is absolutely a lot of disinformation and misinformation about vaccines. Particularly the MMR vaccine, there are a lot of things spread on social media that are not true about the risk-benefit ratio.' To help reverse the trend, Dr. Present says the county is conducting targeted educational outreach and working to increase access to vaccines in underserved areas. She says Clackamas County is also poised to have stand-up emergency vaccine clinics should another outbreak occur. Still, Present maintains the best way to prevent a potential outbreak is for the community to do their part. 'It's not just a rash, it's not a mild disease, it's a severe disease, and the vaccine is incredibly, incredibly safe,' Present said. 'If you have your two doses of MMR vaccine, you have immunity for life.' In a statement, Tim Heider OHA Public Health Communications Officer wrote: 'Measles is a contagious virus that can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Unfortunately, it has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated. 'The good news is that we have a highly safe and effective vaccine – it is our strongest line of defense and the best way to keep yourself, your children and your community safe. If you have questions about the vaccine, we encourage people to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns. 'To learn more about measles and to receive daily status updates of measles outbreak data, visit OHA's Measles and Rubeola web page.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Falling vaccine rates could mean millions of measles cases: Study
A new study warns that the U.S. could see millions of new measles cases over the next 25 years if vaccination rates continue to fall. The research, published in science journal JAMA, used modeling to forecast the number of measles cases in several scenarios, including vaccination rates holding steady, rising or falling. Measles was officially eliminated in the U.S. decades ago thanks to the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. But as more people have refused to vaccinate their children despite decades of evidence showing the MMR is effective and safe, measles has been making a comeback, with a current outbreak already accounting for hundreds of cases. If vaccination rates hold steady at today's level, researchers predict 851,300 cases of measles over the next 25 years. But if vaccination rates drop just 10 percent, there could be 11.1 million measles cases in that same time frame. If vaccination rates drop by 50 percent, there could be 51.2 million cases of measles over the next 25 percent, the study notes. Assuming that vaccination rates fell at the same level for all childhood vaccines, measles isn't the only dangerous, previously eliminated disease that could make a comeback. Cases of polio and rubella could also rise, leading to a potential 10. 3 million hospitalizations and 159,200 deaths, along with thousands of cases of post-measles neurological complications, rubella-related birth defects and post-polio paralysis. Researchers warn that should these diseases become endemic again, it would take time to eradicate them a second time, even if more people began getting vaccinated after seeing the effects of these preventable illnesses. Dropping vaccination rates would also impact herd immunity, where those too young to get vaccinated and immunocompromised people would also be at risk of infection along with those who chose not to get vaccinated. Although vaccines have a record of safety that goes back decades and a study that falsely linked autism to the MMR vaccine was retracted and debunked, public figures have continued to spread doubt about routine vaccination. That includes Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has on occasion made statements supporting the MMR but has also repeatedly raised doubts about vaccine safety. He has also promoted diet and vitamin A as methods to prevent measles despite scientific evidence that they do not have any impact, and the only way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious disease with possible severe complications. One in five unvaccinated people who get measles will be hospitalized, and 1 in 20 children with measles will develop pneumonia, which can be deadly, studies show. About one in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis, which can lead to permanent deafness or intellectual disability, and 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children with measles will die from the disease. Measles can also cause a rare complication, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is fatal and appears seven to 10 years after recovery from measles. Roughly seven to 11 children out of every 100,000 who get measles will develop SSPE.
