While the British are preparing for their summer vacation, with many jets abroad, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a brutal warning concerning a wave of potential measles.
Health managers are particularly concerned with the risk of importing cases in Europe, where measles infections have doubled.
The agency stressed that cases of measles in the European region reached 127,350 in 2024, twice the number recorded in 2023 and the highest figure since 1997.
This spectacular increase caused urgent calls for British families to ensure that their MMR vaccinations are complete before traveling.
The warning comes as England continues to struggle with Epidemics of in progress measlesRecording 109 confirmed cases in April and 86 in May, mainly affecting non -vaccinated children aged 10 and under.
The current situation represents the largest measles epidemic in England since 2012, which culminated between autumn 2023 and summer 2024. Although the number of cases has decreased compared to the peak of last year, localized epidemics persist.
Health officials have stressed that measles remains “one of the most infectious diseases”, quickly spreading among people without protection against vaccines.
Major epidemics have struck several popular European holiday destinations with British tourists.
Non -vaccinated children aged 10 years and under are the most affected in the current epidemic of the measles of England
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France, Italy, Spain and Germany all experience significant measles transmission, according to UKHSA data.
The World Health Organization recently identified Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria as having “some of the largest epidemics in the world’s measles”. These global hot spots have additional risks for international travelers.
European epidemic represents a spectacular reversal after decades of progress. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, at least 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the United Kingdom.
UKHSA has awarded the decreased resurgence of the absorption of the ROR vaccine over the past decade, a trend aggravated by the disruption of the COVVI-19 pandemic for routine immunization programs.
Major epidemics have struck European popular vacation destinations
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Epidemiologist Consultant at the UK Health Security Agency, Dr Vanessa Saliba, urged families to verify their vaccination status.
“It is essential that everyone, especially parents of young children, checks that all family members are up to date with two doses of ROR, especially if you are traveling this summer for vacation or family visit,” she said.
“Breedy cases reproduce in England, and epidemics occur in Europe and many countries with close ties with the United Kingdom.”
She warned that “unpleasant disease” can spread very quickly and can cause serious complications, including ear and chest infections and brain inflammation, some children requiring hospitalization and consequences of a lifetime.
“No one wants that for their child, and that’s not something you want to live on vacation,” she added.
The ROR vaccine is “the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles”, offering about 99% protection against measles and rubella after two doses.
Babies of under a year and immunocompromised persons cannot receive the vaccine, based on community immunity for protection.
Dr. Saliba concluded: “It is never too late to make up for it. If you do not know if one of the members of your family is up to date, check their red book or contact your GP practice. Do not report it and do not regret it later.”
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to NHS directives, measles generally starts with symptoms resembling a cold before a distinctive rash emerges several days later.
The first symptoms include high body temperature, congestion or nasal discharge, sneezing, cough and flaming and watery eyes.
Small white spots can develop inside the mouth in the days following the initial symptoms. The NHS noted that these appear inside the cheeks and at the back of the lips, and generally persist for several days.
The characteristic eruption emerges after symptoms in the shape of a cold, starting on the face and behind the ears before stretching through the body.
These spots can merge into stained spots and appear brown or red on the white skin, although they can be less visible on darker skin tones.
For more information on measles, mumps and rubella, see the Ukhsa resource: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet.