LONDON, Jun 6 (NNN-XINHUA) – The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), yesterday, issued a warning about the continued spread of measles in England, highlighting the potential for a surge in cases, during the upcoming summer holiday season.
According to the latest data, released by UKHSA, there have been 420 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England since Jan 1, this year. Of these, 109 cases were confirmed in Apr, and 86 cases were reported last month. London has seen the highest number of cases overall this year, (163/420, 39 percent) and in the last four weeks (35/75, 47 percent).
The majority of these cases (276/420, 66 percent) were in children aged 10 years and under.
UKHSA expressed concern that, increased travel during the summer holidays could lead to further spread of the disease, especially as measles remains endemic in many countries worldwide.
This year’s outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. The World Health Organisation (WHO), recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest numbers of measles cases worldwide.
UKHSA urged parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations.
“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,” said Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA.– NNN-XINHUA
