NHS issues 'concerned' statement as child dies from measles amid outbreak fears
NHS bosses have issued a 'concerned' warning after a child sadly died following a measles infection at a UK hospital.
The child, who has not been named, died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. While details of the case remain limited, it is understood the child had measles and also suffered from other health issues. It is not known whether they had received the MMR vaccine, which offers up to 97% protection against the virus. The case marks the second death linked to acute measles in Britain this decade, and has triggered concern from hospital bosses and public health officials.
In a statement issued by Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, the hospital said: 'To respect patient confidentiality, we can't comment on individual cases. We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment, and in rare cases, death.
'The number of children being treated at Alder Hey for effects and complications of measles is increasing (we have treated 17 since June). We treat children with a range of conditions and illnesses in our hospital, including those with compromised immunity due to other health issues, making them more susceptible to infections, including measles.
'We can prevent people, including children, from contracting measles through vaccination. Please protect yourself and vulnerable children and young people by ensuring you are fully vaccinated.'
Doctors at Alder Hey have also taken the unprecedented step of sending an open letter to parents, warning that the growing number of measles cases is directly linked to falling uptake of the MMR jab - which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. So far this year, 529 measles cases have been confirmed in England, with the majority (357) in children under the age of ten.
Officials now fear that Liverpool is on the verge of an outbreak. According to The Times, poor vaccine coverage means nearly 1 in 3 people in the region are vulnerable to infection, with around 288 in every 1,000 at risk. Public health experts say the virus could 'spread like wildfire' unless action is taken quickly.
Professor Matt Ashton, Liverpool's Director of Public Health, said: 'I'm extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community.
"My concern is the unprotected population and it spreading like wildfire. That's why we're trying to be proactive. It's really important that people understand the seriousness of this.'
Measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world, with a person able to pass it on for up to 10 days - including four days before symptoms appear. Young children and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of complications.
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