Parents urged to vaccinate their children ahead of school holidays

23 June 2008

The large number of unvaccinated children in London means that measles is now spreading across the capital in high numbers and is likely to continue through the summer break.

Across the UK, the number of measles cases has risen with cases in London showing a rise compared to last year.  From January to June 2008 there were 886 notified cases of measles reported in London compared to 258 in 2007. There were 330 laboratory confirmed cases from January to May 2008.   

In London, measles cases have been linked to primary and secondary schools, nurseries as well as hospitals and in South East London, Primary Care Trusts are recommending that for children over a year old, the interval between the two MMR vaccines can be shorter than usually recommended. Although schools and nurseries will close for the Summer holidays children will still meet up in groups whether that’s in holiday camps, at family gatherings or at friends’ homes.

The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) also issued a warning in April 2008 stating that Europe may be about to experience a significant outbreak after an increase in measles in several European countries.

Roger Gross, London Regional Director of the Health Protection Agency, said:

“Whether your holiday plans involve staying in the UK or travelling abroad or meeting up with family and friends at home, making sure your children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine should be a priority. Measles cases in London have been the source for cases in both Cornwall and Yorkshire.

“Measles is highly infectious so can spread easily amongst unvaccinated children. If your child does become ill with measles, it can be very serious and cause severe complications. The only way to protect your child is by ensuring they have two doses of MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children”.

Ends.

Notes to editors

1. Confirmed figures are those that have been confirmed in a laboratory.  Notifications are those that have been diagnosed based on symptoms and not a laboratory sample - these are however most likely to be measles at a time when there is more measles circulating in the community.
2. If you would like information about the number of notifications in your area please contact the press office (number below).
3. Anyone concerned about the signs or symptoms of measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct 0845 4647.
4. Measles is a very infectious viral illness that used to affect up to 800,000 people per year. Since the introduction of measles vaccine, and especially since the introduction of MMR vaccine, numbers of cases have been reduced to very low levels.
5. Almost everyone infected will feel generally unwell and develop symptoms such as:
   - Fever
   - Cough
   - Red and painful eyes
   - Swollen glands
   - Loss of appetite
   - Rash, which tends to follow 3-4 days after onset of the above symptoms.
6. People are infectious from just before the time that they become unwell to around 4 days after the onset of the rash. Those affected should stay off school or work for 5 days from the onset of the rash.
7. For further information about measles and MMR vaccine:
   Measles homepage
   http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/
   http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/library/thediseases.php
8. For further information, please contact Health Protection Agency, London region press office:
   Claire Kennedy: Claire.kennedy@hpa.org.uk tel: 020 7759 2834 or Emily Collins: Emily.collins@hpa.org.uk tel: 020 7759 2824

Last reviewed: 28 May 2010