Low vaccination rates, measles besieges Britain

Measles cases across the UK have skyrocketed to their highest level in 30 years as children are not vaccinated.

Since October 2023, the West Midlands has seen more than 300 cases of measles, with 50 children admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in December alone. Unvaccinated children are forced to quarantine for up to three weeks.

Experts say it is the largest measles outbreak in the region since 1990 – a result of low measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates. They are urging parents to get their children fully vaccinated to avoid the risk of catching the severe virus and passing it on to others.

In a letter to parents, Birmingham City Council warned that unvaccinated pupils would have to self-isolate for 21 days if they come into contact with measles. Children are usually given their first dose of the vaccine at one year of age, with the second dose at three years and four months.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) first recommended a three-week quarantine in 2019, but it was later lifted when the pandemic was brought under control. Concerns about low vaccination rates and a recent rise in cases prompted the council to reinstate the policy.

The guidance says that children with the disease should be kept away from school and away from other vulnerable children, pregnant women and people with immunosuppression. The three-week isolation will prevent measles outbreaks in children, according to the UKHSA medical director.

Illustration of the vaccine to prevent measles, mumps and rubella. Photo: Gov UK — Illustration of the vaccine to prevent measles, mumps and rubella. Photo: *Gov UK*

The agency said it made its recommendations on a “case-by-case basis, following discussions between council and school officials”. To prevent further outbreaks, at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated. But nationwide, the rate of fully vaccinated five-year-olds has fallen to 84.5%, partly due to anti-vaccination groups.

The warning was posted on January 4, before schools reopened. Officials said the quarantine would disrupt children’s education, so parents needed to make sure their children were up to date on their vaccinations.

Dr Mary Orhewere, assistant director of the Public Health Council, noted that GPs could administer the catch-up MMR vaccine, which provides lifelong immunity against three viruses.

Two doses of the vaccine are 99% effective in preventing mumps, measles and rubella. The three diseases can cause meningitis, hearing loss and fertility problems.

Thuc Linh (According to Daily Mail, NY Post )

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