New measles cases prompt renewed health warning

A council in England has issued a warning after several new cases of measles were confirmed, with three known cases in north-east England and one in the North West as verified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumberland Council, said measles, mumps and rubella remained “highly infectious” conditions and issued a reminder that the vaccine provided “safe and effective protection”.

He added that those who had not received two doses, including adults and children, should have arranged to have their course completed with their GP.

He said “Getting vaccinated is important as these conditions can spread easily amongst unvaccinated people and lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.”

The UKHSA said an uptake in routine childhood vaccinations had dropped during the pandemic.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet from UKHSA North West, said this was leaving people vulnerable to outbreaks “especially as people travel abroad for summer holidays to places where measles is more common.

“It’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood illness, and it’s never too late to have the vaccine.  Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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