Saqib is calling for anyone who is not vaccinated to urgently come forward to get their measles (MMR) vaccine amid rising cases in the region.
Between 1 October and 12 January, there were 167 confirmed cases (including 4 travel-related) and a further 88 likely cases. Around 80% of cases have been seen in Birmingham, with about 10% in Coventry, however, other local authority areas are now being affected by measles.
UKHSA health professionals are concerned that these figures will rise quickly, as while most parents ensure their children get both MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) doses, in some communities uptake of the MMR vaccine is worryingly low, and this is why we are seeing this rapid spread.
Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, and is a nasty illness and in some children can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death. People in certain at-risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.
Commenting on the increased spread of measles, Saqib said:
“I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet received their measles (MMR) vaccine to do so urgently. The best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to follow the advice of healthcare professionals and get vaccinated.”
“Further information about measles and the MMR vaccine can be found on the NHS website and I would recommend that everyone takes the time to read it thoroughly.”
Dr Naveed Syed, UKHSA West Midlands Consultant in Health Protection, said:
“We are seeing cases of measles rising every day in the West Midlands. The virus is very infectious and can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools, if people have not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
“Uptake of MMR in the region is much lower than the 95% needed to protect the population, which is giving this serious disease a chance to get a foothold in our communities. That’s why it’s vital that anyone who hasn’t had TWO doses of the MMR vaccine by the time they started full time school gets immunised as soon as possible.”
