MEASLES cases are rising nationwide as concerns grow about the illness spreading to Worcestershire because some children are unvaccinated.

One Worcester school shared information, published by Worcestershire Children First, about the rise of measles elsewhere in the UK.

Although there are no cases in Worcestershire at the moment, information shared with schools shows a 'concerning increase of measles and reduced rates of MMR vaccine uptake'.

New modelling suggests that unless MMR vaccination rates improve, London could see a measles outbreak with tens of thousands of cases. 

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The data shows that between January 1 and June 30 this year there have been 128 cases of measles, compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022, with 66 per cent of the cases detected in London, although cases have been seen in all regions.

The report by Worcestershire Children First, the company responsible for delivering children’s services across the county, was shared with parents.

A spokesperson said: "The risk in London is primarily due to low vaccination rates over several years, further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in some areas and groups where coverage of the first MMR dose at 2 years of age is as low as 69.5 per cent. 

"In the West Midlands, only 85 per cent of children have had both of their MMR vaccines by the age of five.

"Over the last few weeks, we have started to see some cases of measles in the region – all are in young unvaccinated children. This is significantly below the 95 per cent MMR uptake rate needed to support herd immunity from measles. So please do promote uptake of the MMR vaccine on your platforms."

It can take up to 21 days for symptoms of measles to show (incubation period) so an unvaccinated child could have measles without realising and spread the infection – so anyone who has not had at least one MMR and is in contact with a case of measles will need to be excluded from nursery/school/college/work etc for 21 days after contact with the infected person.

The spokesperson added: "We are calling on all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their 2 MMR doses."

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire said: “While there are currently no cases of measles reported in Worcestershire, the UK Health Security Agency has been seeing a rise in cases across the country. It is important that we do everything we can to protect our young people against this serious disease.

"The best line of defence against measles is getting the MMR vaccination, particularly for children about to start school. 9 out of 10 parents have their children fully vaccinated with two doses in our area. However, it is never too late to get the vaccination. Anyone of any age can check if they have had it by contacting their GP.”