It was already reported a year ago that the British neglected vaccinations due to the coronavirus. This year, twice as many measles cases have been detected compared to last year.
And British health experts warn of the seriousness of the measles epidemic, which could affect up to 160,000 people in London if the vaccination rate does not improve. Based on Friday’s statement, the deadly measles virus could “resurrect” and hit the capital hardest, the organization wrote. independent.
the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) According to the Ministry of Health, 128 cases of measles were recorded during the period from January to June of this year, while there were 54 cases in the country last year. In addition, 66% of patients can be linked to London. Experts urge parents to make sure their children get the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine is given to children around 9-15 months of age, with a second dose up to six years of age.
According to the authority, the chance of a national measles outbreak is small, but due to the low level of vaccination in London, there would be between 40,000 and 160,000 patients in the capital in the event of an outbreak.
the Global Health Organization A vaccination coverage of 95 percent is needed to prevent an epidemic in the population. However, coverage of MMR doses given at age five in England is only 85 percent.
According to the UKHSA, the increased risk of new diseases in London is due to the low vaccination rate in recent years, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In some groups, such as two-year-olds, coverage for the first dose of the MMR vaccine is only 69 percent.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba He said measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. The epidemiologist confirmed that measles spreads very easily, but it can be prevented by vaccination. Typical symptoms of the disease include a high body temperature, a runny or stuffy nose, coughing and/or sneezing, and flushing and redness of the eyes. Small white spots may appear in the mouth, and the body may be covered with a mottled rash and bumps, which usually do not itch.
And British family doctors have contacted the parents of more than 10,000 children who have not been vaccinated in recent days due to the increase in the number of cases. Hundreds of them made vaccination appointments.
