Surge in UK measles cases causing concern

Manx Radio has asked Public Health for Island picture

A worrying surge in the number of measles cases in England is behind a new multimedia campaign urging parents to get their children vaccinated against the disease.

Cases in the West Midlands are up by 46 percent, the North-west of England by 19 percent and London by 14 percent.

Manx Radio has asked Public Health for an update on the level of uptake in the Isle of Man.

Measles, mumps and rubella are all unpleasant illnesses with the potential to leave a person with ongoing health issues.

The UK has seen a worrying fall-off in the number of children receiving vaccinations especially post Covid.

MMR vaccine is administered by means of a two-dose schedule with the first dose recommended at 12 months and the second at three years and four months. 

Teens, young people and adults can catch up, if they have missed one or both doses in their life, and are actively encouraged to do so.

Measles normally clears up in about 10 days but complications can be extremely unpleasant leading to blindness, seizures, meningitis and even death.

Common symptoms include high fever, sore, red and watery eyes, coughing and sneezing.

Small white spots may appear in the mouth and a blotchy red or brown rash normally appears after a few days - usually on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body.

You can catch measles at any age if you haven't been vaccinated.

Only 85 percent of children starting primary school in the UK have had both jabs - well below the 95 percent target required to halt the spread of the disease.

The World Health Organisation has also warned of the growing threat of measles.