England is currently experiencing its most significant measles outbreak in over ten years, with the number of reported cases this year already more than triple those recorded throughout 2023.
According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), more than 1,000 measles cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests in England this year. This is a dramatic increase from the 362 cases reported in 2023, highlighting the severity of the current situation.
Outbreak Origins and Spread
The outbreak is believed to have started in Birmingham last October, which has since reported 580 confirmed cases. However, the virus has not remained confined to one area, with clusters of infections appearing across all regions of England.
London has seen 390 confirmed cases since the outbreak began. The East Midlands has recorded 130 cases, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with 69, the North West with 64, the East of England with 49, and the North East with 48. The South East and South West have been less affected, with 25 and 19 cases respectively.
Affected Demographics
Children under the age of 10 account for 62% of the infections, indicating their higher susceptibility. Adults are also affected, with 21% of cases occurring in individuals over 20 years old.
Tracking and Notifications
Although the UKHSA has not released specific locations of the outbreaks, GP notifications provide a broader understanding of potential hotspots. General practitioners must report suspected measles cases to the UKHSA, resulting in over 5,000 notifications this year. While these notifications are not laboratory-confirmed, they indicate areas with potential infections and serve as an early warning system.
Birmingham leads with 352 suspected cases, followed by Manchester with 123, Leicester with 119, Wandsworth with 95, and Coventry with 91.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Concerns
The UKHSA attributes the rise in measles cases to low uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in certain regions. In England, only 92.5% of children received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in 2022-23, down from 93.4% the previous year and well below the national target of 95.5%. This decline is particularly noticeable in areas like Birmingham, where more than 10% of children remain unvaccinated.
A UKHSA consultant epidemiologist emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Measles cases have been increasing across the country, especially in London. Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities such as schools and nurseries, particularly where vaccination rates are low.”
The epidemiologist also highlighted the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles: “The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. Although measles is preventable, some communities, especially in London, have very low vaccination rates. This leaves many children at risk of serious illness, which can lead to long-term complications or even death.”
Public Health Guidance
Parents are urged to check their child’s vaccination status using the “Red Book” (Personal Child Health Record) to ensure they are up to date with the MMR and other routine vaccines. The epidemiologist advised, “If you’re unsure about your child’s vaccination status, contact your GP practice. They can provide the necessary vaccinations to bring your child up to date. Respond promptly if the NHS contacts you about catching up on missed vaccines.”
Recognising Symptoms and Preventive Measures
Measles symptoms include a high fever, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears after the initial symptoms. Due to the virus’s highly contagious nature, prompt isolation and medical attention are crucial to prevent further spread.
Looking Ahead
As England tackles this significant public health challenge, collaboration between communities and health authorities is essential to improve vaccination coverage and curb the spread of measles. This outbreak underscores the critical role of immunisation programmes and the collective responsibility to protect public health.
The future response will depend on the effectiveness of ongoing public health measures and the community’s willingness to participate in vaccination efforts. The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, stressing the importance of vigilance and proactive actions to control the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
