Measles is a really unpleasant illness which can make children feel very unwell and can have serious complications including pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and even death.
It used to be very common but it is now easily preventable with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.
High rates of vaccination had meant that cases of measles had become extremely rare, but in recent years significant numbers of children have missed their vaccinations and as a result measles is circulating again.
Cases of measles have been rising in England in recent months, with a particular issue in the West Midlands where there have been 260 cases.
London has the second highest rate after the West Midlands, which is really concerning for our local communities in Southwark and Lambeth. Two thirds of recent cases of measles have been in children under 10 and a further quarter in young people and adults aged over 15.
Measles spreads very easily through coughs and sneezes – it is much more contagious than Covid-19.
The main symptom of measles is a red-brown blotchy rash, sometimes preceded by cold-like symptoms for a few days before the rash appears.
A person is most contagious from when symptoms develop until about 4 days after the rash first appears.
The best way of preventing measles is to have two doses of the MMR vaccine. All parents are offered the vaccine for children aged 12-13 months, with a second dose at 3 years old.
MMR vaccine coverage has been falling for the last decade with 1 out of 10 children starting school in England not protected and higher levels than this locally so there is a real risk that this outbreak could spread much further in South-East London.
If your children are not up to date with two doses of MMR vaccine, please contact your GP to catch-up now.
Southwark Council is also running community clinics for children aged 5-11 at the Rye Oak Children & Family Centre, SE15 3PD on Tuesday 20 February and Friday 15 March 2024, both from 3-5.30pm. You can call 020 8487 1730 or email hrch.polioimmunisationteam@nhs.net to book an appointment.
My children both had two doses of the MMR vaccination when they were little, and I’d encourage every other parent and carer to do the same.
Measles is a nasty illness for most children and for some can be serious, but it is completely preventable.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your children..