Doctors are being warned to keep a close eye out for measles among kids following a “devastating resurgence” of the life-threatening illness.
Worrying NHS data has shown that no vaccines have met the World Health Organisation’s coverage target of 95 per cent in England with the rate at its lowest since 2011. A new report from the WHO revealed deaths from measles globally rose by 43 per cent from 2021 to 2022. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said some healthcare workers may not have seen symptoms of measles before and they are being told to check whether kids have had their vaccine.
Little girl with measles as fears of a resurgence grow (Getty Images)The organisation has also issued guidance on how to treat measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children. It's characterised by symptoms like a fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes and a distinctive red rash that spreads over the body. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it can remain active in the air or on surfaces for several hours. Thankfully, there is a highly effective vaccine against it and many countries have been declared measles-free. However, due to a decline in parents getting their children vaccinated, outbreaks across the world have reportedly occurred.
On the rise of measles cases, the RCPCH said: "The UK is now seeing a devastating resurgence of virtually eliminated life-threatening diseases, such as measles. Evidence also shows that lower socioeconomic status was associated with lower coverage."
Dr Camilla Kingdon, RCPCH president, said: “Having to consider measles in our national guidance for the first time in decades is a disappointing but necessary move. Vaccination coverage for children under the age of five is now the lowest it has ever been in the past 10 years. We are already starting to see the effects of this with measles outbreaks occurring in London, Wales and Leicester. Many paediatricians I know live in fear of potential measles outbreaks this winter.
Hospitals run out of oxygen and mortuaries full amid NHS chaos
“We now find ourselves once again asking the Government, where is the long-awaited vaccination strategy? The UK Government must acknowledge these low uptake figures and focus its attention on ensuring equal access to vaccinations across all regions and socioeconomic groups. The winter period is always an extremely tough time for all health care professionals, with high surges in RSV and influenza, as well as circulating COVID-19 and Group A Strep. To add another highly contagious and dangerous disease into the mix would be disastrous and could bring our already fragile system to its knees.”
The RCPCH is also calling on action from the government and for it to publish its national vaccination strategy. According to the NHS, measles usually starts to get better in about a week. Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
