A Birmingham doctor has issued an urgent plea to parents to vaccinate their children amid an upsurge of children presenting with measles. Dr Jonathan Adamson, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said he was treating ‘multiple’ children with measles ‘every day’.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads very easily, especially in schools, and can cause serious problems in some people. Last year, it was reported that measles cases in England had surged to a three-year high with some 141 confirmed cases recorded between January and July 2023, UK Health Security Agency data suggests.
The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella through two doses which are given by injection into the leg or upper arm. Dr Adamson said the surge in measles cases he was seeing was ‘exclusively in unvaccinated children.’
Since 1 October 2023, there have been 19 confirmed cases in the West Midlands, with an increasing number of likely cases, according to Herefordshire Council. In September 2023 the NHS revealed how there were over 9,000 children starting school in the West Midlands who were not protected against catching measles, mumps and rubella.
Ashis Banerjee, Screening and Immunisation Lead at NHS England said: Measles can start with cold like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough with a rash not showing until they have been infectious for up to four days. In a classroom it may not be easy to spot that they have the measles infection at first and before they have a rash they could have infected nine out of ten of their unvaccinated classmates.
Symptoms of measles appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus and include cold-like symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and cough; red, sore, watery eyes; high temperature (fever); a non-itchy, red-brown rash that usually appears 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to the rest of the body), with spots that may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones; and small white spots that may appear inside cheeks and on the back of lips for a few days.
If you have symptoms of measles, it is essential that you don’t just turn up at your GP practice, walk-in center, or other healthcare setting. Instead, you should contact your GP or NHS111 for advice.
It is crucial for parents to understand the importance of vaccinating their children against measles and other preventable diseases. The MMR vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. By ensuring their children receive the recommended doses, parents can help protect their children and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Dr Jonathan Adamson’s plea serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by measles and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to halt its spread. Vaccination is a crucial tool in preventing the transmission of measles, and it is important for parents to stay informed and take action to protect their children and the wider community.
With the recent surge in measles cases, it is evident that there are still gaps in vaccine coverage, leaving children vulnerable to this highly contagious disease. As Dr Adamson notes, all the cases he has seen are in unvaccinated children, highlighting the importance of timely vaccination.
The current situation in the West Midlands, with 19 confirmed cases and more likely to be identified, underscores the urgency of addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring that all eligible children are protected. The September 2023 data revealing over 9,000 unvaccinated children starting school in the region is cause for concern.
Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, ear infections, and in rare cases, brain damage or even death. These risks can be minimized through vaccination. The MMR vaccine has a proven track record of safety and effectiveness and has been extensively studied and administered worldwide.
The symptoms of measles can be deceptive, with initial cold-like symptoms that may not immediately raise concerns. This is why early detection and reporting are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. By being vigilant and seeking medical advice if symptoms arise, individuals can help protect themselves and others.
Parents should be reassured that the MMR vaccine is a reliable and essential tool in preventing measles. It is administered in two doses, and even one dose can provide significant protection. Consulting with healthcare professionals and accessing accurate information can address any concerns or misconceptions that may contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
Measles is not a localized issue; it is a global concern. Vaccination rates must be maximized to achieve the herd immunity necessary to eliminate measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Individual choices regarding vaccination can have far-reaching consequences for public health.
In conclusion, it is imperative that parents prioritize their children’s immunizations and heed the call to vaccinate against measles. The evidence is clear: the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial in protecting children from measles and preventing its spread within our communities. By working together and ensuring high vaccination rates, we can successfully combat this highly contagious disease and safeguard the health of future generations.
