Latest news with #VanessaSaliba
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Measles holiday warning as cases rise in Europe
LONDON — Families traveling abroad this summer on holiday or to visit relatives are being warned about the rise in measles cases in Europe and other regions. Measles infections in Europe are at a 25-year high, while cases are also surging in countries such as Pakistan and Nigeria. Childhood vaccination rates in the UK that offer protection against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are still a long way below the recommended 95% uptake, with the lowest regional rates found in London at just over 73% vaccinated. The UK Health Security Agency is warning holidaymakers to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and stress that it is never too late to get vaccinated. The UKHSA's latest data on measles infections shows that an outbreak is continuing in England. Some 109 cases were confirmed in April and 86 so far in May. These cases have mostly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. London has reported almost half of all cases in the past four weeks. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, says the rise in cases in England reflects what is happening abroad - and that's a concern as the summer holiday season gets going. "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 traveling this summer for holidays or visiting family," Dr Saliba said. "Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK." 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, Dr Saliba added. "Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday." The decline in vaccination rates in the UK - particularly since the Covid pandemic - has been mirrored in other countries, especially in Europe. The World Health Organization and UNICEF reported 127,350 measles cases in the European Region in 2024 - double the number of cases reported during the previous year and the highest number since 1997. This year has seen outbreaks in several other European countries popular with UK holidaymakers, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The WHO has also reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide. There has been a big push to improve MMR vaccination rates across the UK, but Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, says there is still a lot of work to do. "Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. "MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunization program – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child's vaccination." Health experts say that anyone, whatever their age, who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment and that it is never too late to catch up. Common symptoms include: high fever sore, red and watery eyes runny nose coughing sneezing Small white spots may appear inside the mouth. A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Measles normally clears up within seven to 10 days. However, it can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk. Getting it while pregnant can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage or babies being born small. Measles can be fatal, but this is rare. — BBC
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles holiday warning as cases rise in Europe
Families travelling abroad this summer on holiday or to visit relatives are being warned about the rise in measles cases in Europe and other regions. Measles infections in Europe are at a 25-year high, while cases are also surging in countries such as Pakistan and Nigeria. Childhood vaccination rates in the UK that offer protection against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are still a long way below the recommended 95% uptake, with the lowest regional rates found in London at just over 73% vaccinated. The UK Health Security Agency is warning holidaymakers to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and stress that it is never too late to get vaccinated. The UKHSA's latest data on measles infections shows that an outbreak is continuing in England. Some 109 cases were confirmed in April and 86 so far in May. These cases have mostly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. London has reported almost half of all cases in the past four weeks. Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, says the rise in cases in England reflects what is happening abroad - and that's a concern as the summer holiday season gets going. "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," Dr Saliba said. "Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK." 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, Dr Saliba added. "Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday." The decline in vaccination rates in the UK - particularly since the Covid pandemic - has been mirrored in other countries, especially in Europe. The World Health Organization and UNICEF reported 127,350 measles cases in the European Region in 2024 - double the number of cases reported during the previous year and the highest number since 1997. This year has seen outbreaks in several other European countries popular with UK holidaymakers, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The WHO has also reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide. There has been a big push to improve MMR vaccination rates across the UK, but Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, says there is still a lot of work to do. "Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. "MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child's vaccination." Health experts say that anyone, whatever their age, who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment and that it is never too late to catch up. Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. Common symptoms include: high fever sore, red and watery eyes runny nose coughing sneezing Small white spots may appear inside the mouth. A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Measles normally clears up within seven to 10 days. However, it can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk. Getting it while pregnant can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage or babies being born small. Measles can be fatal, but this is rare. Parents of baby with measles in vaccination plea 'Concerning' measles rise prompts warning Major MMR drive among teenagers and young adults
Metro
4 days ago
- Health
- Metro
Fears of measles 'surge' in UK when unvaccinated kids return from summer holiday
The UK is at risk of a 'surge' in measles cases in the coming months due to a decline in vaccine uptake, officials have warned. Unvaccinated children are expected to pick up the virus on summer trips abroad, with a number of popular destinations having seen 'large' outbreaks this year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. France, Italy, Spain and Germany are among those suffering such outbreaks in Europe, which reported 127,350 cases overall last year. That figure was double the number of cases in 2023 and the highest recorded since 1997. 'Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK,' Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said. Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Romania and Thailand currently have among the highest number of measles cases in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. The UKHSA said the resurgence of measles is a 'global' problem linked to 'declines in MMR vaccine uptake observed over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic'. More than 17% of children in England have not had a two-dose MMR vaccine, which is needed for full protection. That figure rises to nearly 28% in London, which has reported almost half of all cases in the past four weeks. There have been 420 lab-confirmed cases in England so far this year, of which 109 were in April and 86 in May. 'Cases have predominantly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under,' officials said, 'but there are also cases being reported in young people and adults'. After London, the biggest hotspots currently are the North West (25% of cases in the past four weeks) and the West Midlands (11%). Children do not have full protection if they received their first dose after their first birthday but were not taken to get the second (given between three-and-a-half and five years old). Full protection can be given at higher ages by taking two doses at least one month apart, the NHS says. The most contagious virus known to humans, measles can rapidly trigger large outbreaks as each infected individual can transmit the disease to another 18 on average. It typically causes cold-like symptoms at first before triggering a widespread, blotchy rash across the body. In some cases it can suppress the immune system, making the patient vulnerable to other viruses like pneumonia, which can be deadly in children. Dr Saliba continued: 'It's essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. '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. 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. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems can't have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them. '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.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Urgent recall for 15,000 pounds of beef and meat jerky over allergy fears MORE: Urgent health alert for ham croquettes in the US over allergy fears MORE: FDA tomato recall elevated to highest level due to salmonella risk
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Victorian disease UK health warning as 'too many' kids at risk
A drop in vaccine uptake has been linked to a surge in cases across Europe Health experts have issued a warning that 'too many' children are not protected against a potentially deadly disease dating back to the Victorian era. It comes amid a surge in cases throughout Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to ensure their youngsters are vaccinated against measles as part of an update. In its most recent monthly report on measles, the UKHSA said that outbreaks are continuing throughout England, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 so far in May. Unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under have been the worst hit. On top of this there has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year. The UKHSA said it is 'concerned' that the approaching summer holidays could therefore lead to another surge of measles cases in England. Measles cases in Europe doubled in 2024 compared to the year before, with 127,350 reported cases. This is also the highest number since 1997. Outbreaks have been recorded in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The World Health Organisation (WHO) also reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide. The importance of vaccines The UKHSA explained that the rise in cases in England is linked to a reduction in the uptake of vaccinations. In its update, it said: 'In England, the decline of the uptake of childhood vaccinations including MMR in the past decade (well below the WHO 95 per cent target) means that many thousands of children are left unprotected with the risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.' READ MORE: Three key signs of new Covid strain to spot as NB.1.8.1 reaches UK London has the lowest MMR uptake rates compared with other English regions, with the uptake over five years at 73.3 per cent compared to English average of 83.9 per cent. The UKHSA continued: 'The UKHSA 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. 'It is important that anyone travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially parents of young children, check that all members of their family have received both their MMR vaccines. 'Getting vaccinated means you are also helping protect others who can't have the vaccine, including infants under one year and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles.' Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: '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. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. '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. Nobody wants this for their child and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday.' She added that the MMR vaccine is the 'best way' to protect yourself and your family from measles. The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. Two doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The NHS says you should ask at your GP surgery if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS. Symptoms Key symptoms of measles include a high fever, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, and a rash that usually appears after the initial symptoms. Measles can lead to potentially fatal complications if not caught quickly including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures (fits). You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you think you or your child has measles.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Warning over measles risk during school holidays
Parents are being urged to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles ahead of the summer holidays as an outbreak continues to spread across the UK. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, but two doses of the MMR vaccine during childhood can offer lifelong protection. However, uptake of the vaccine in Britain is below recommended levels, and cases have been rising. Young children have the first dose of the vaccine when they are one year old and the second at between three years and four months and five years of age. There have been 420 measles cases in England so far this year, with 86 last month alone, figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal. Two thirds of the cases were in children under 10, and almost 40 per cent were in London. The capital has the lowest vaccination percentage in the country, with more than a quarter of the population going without full protection. Officials are concerned that the infection, which can lead to serious complications, spreads easily through the air via sneezes, coughs and exhalations. They said it could see an uptick when schools break up for the summer and children mingle during the holidays. Measles has an estimated 'R' number of around 18, which means that, on average, a single infected person passes the infection on to 18 others. Covid has a natural 'R' number of about three. Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: '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. 'Measles cases are picking up again in England, and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK. '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. Nobody wants this for their child, and it's not something you want to experience when away on holiday.' People who have the two doses of the MMR vaccine, which are safe and effective, are not only protecting themselves but also helping protect others who are unvaccinated, such as young babies. Health officials said parents could check their child's 'red book', a national record given to parents or carers to document a child's health and development, to see if they are fully protected. Adults can check their vaccination status by contacting their GP or checking in the NHS app, although not everyone's complete immunisation data is live on the app. UKHSA said that cases in Europe had reached their highest level in almost three decades last year. A global increase in measles has led the agency to say it is concerned that this could mean people bring back the contagious disease to England after travelling over the summer. There were more than 127,000 cases of measles in Europe last year, according to global health leaders, the highest number since 1997. So far this year, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide, according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation. Dr Amanda Doyle, the national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: 'The recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected. 'Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. 'MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme, and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child's vaccination.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
