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The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Fears measles outbreak will ‘spread like wildfire' after child dies and doctors warn all parents to be vigilant
FEARS of measles spreading like wildfire are growing after a child infected with the virus died amid plunging vaccine rates. The youngster was a patient at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital, which has seen 17 cases in the past few weeks. 3 3 Infections are increasing across the country, as low MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rates leave children vulnerable. Doctors are urging parents to get their kids jabbed, as the risk of infection rises with increased travel and social mixing over the summer holiday. Major outbreaks in Birmingham and London contributed to 2,911 measles cases in England last year, the highest number since 2012. The child who died, whose name and gender were not revealed, was thought to have had other serious health problems. It was not clear whether they were vaccinated. So far this year there have been 529 confirmed cases in England, with 109 in the month to July 3. Professor Matt Ashton, Liverpool's director of public health, said: "I'm extremely worried the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community. "My concern is the unprotected population and it spreading like wildfire. It's really important people understand the seriousness of this." The UK's MMR two-dose vaccination rate has slumped to its lowest levels for ten years 84 per cent, which is well below the 95 per cent needed for herd immunity. Reported measles cases in the US have also reached a 33-year high, this year with three dead, including two unvaccinated healthy children. Powerful new video urges all parents to protect their children from surge of deadly Victorian disease as millions 'at risk' Most cases improve within a week, but measles can cause serious complications. This includes pneumonia, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis and blindness if it spreads to the lungs. In rare cases, it can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain disorder, which develops years - sometimes decades - after infection. The UK was granted it's 'measles-free' status with the World Health Organisation in 2016, but lost it in 2019 after a surge in cases. Prof Helen Bedford, of University College London, said: "During the summer holidays people are on the move. Unprotected children are at risk travelling within the country or more widely." Meanwhile, Professor Ian Jones, an expert in virology at the University of Reading, added: "If measles is circulating in the community because of low vaccination rates, sooner or later it will find its way to kids who are already unwell, where the infection can be catastrophic. 3 "While deaths from measles in the developed world are rare, the risk can be entirely discharged by vaccination and the lead Alder Hey have taken to vaccinate kids entering A&E is admirable. "But the community message is the one to reiterate. "Get your kids vaccinated, both for your own kids' sake and to prevent the virus reaching those who are more vulnerable." In Liverpool, only 73 per cent of children aged five have received the necessary two shots, while in parts of London uptake is below 65 per cent. By contrast, almost all children have received both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in Rutland (97.6 per cent) and Northumberland (95 per cent), the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows. According to The Sunday Times, the death of a child in Liverpool is to the second fatality from an acute measles infection over the last decade in the UK. Last week, public health officials wrote an open letter to parents in the region, urging them to get their children vaccinated. Expert answers MMR questions TO help deal with parental concerns, Professor Helen Bedford, a specialist in child public health at University College London, tells you all you need to know about the MMR vaccine. When is the vaccine given? The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. It's typically given via a single shot into the muscle of the thigh or the upper arm. The first dose is offered to children at the age of one (babies younger than this may have some protection from antibodies passed on from their mother, which start to wear off at about 12 months.) The second dose is then offered to children aged three years and four months before they start school. To check to see if you or your child have had the recommended two doses of MMR, you can look at their/your Personal Child Health Record, also known as the red book. If you can't find the red book, call your GP and ask them for your vaccine records. You are never too old to catch up with your MMR vaccine. If you see from your vaccination records that you did not receive two doses as a child, you can book a vaccination appointment. Is the vaccine safe? The MMR vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella. In the UK, we started using the jab in 1988, so we have decades of experience using it. The jab is made from much-weakened live versions of the three viruses. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that are protective in the face of future exposure. It takes up to three weeks after having the vaccine to be fully protected. Like any vaccine, the MMR jab can cause side-effects, which are usually mild and go away very quickly. This includes rash, high temperature, loss of appetite and a general feeling of being unwell for about two or three days. There is also a very small chance children can have a severe allergic reaction. But compared to the complications of measles, there is no contest that vaccination is by far the safest and most effective route to take. Why was it linked with autism? In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues published a now-discredited paper in medical journal The Lancet. The paper suggested that the MMR vaccine might be associated with autism and a form of bowel disease. It led to a sharp decline in vaccination rates. Even at the time, the research was considered poor. The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after Wakefield's article was found 'dishonest' by the General Medical Council. He was later struck off and subsequently, in 2011, the British Medical Journal declared the story fraudulent. Does it contain ingredients from pigs? There are two types of MMR jabs: One with gelatin (animal/pig collagen), and one without it. For some religious groups, the inclusion of pig products is not acceptable. Those people should ask for the vaccine without gelatin.
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
NHS issues 'concerned' statement as child dies from measles amid outbreak fears
The child sadly passed away in Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool and is the second to to die following an acute measles infection in Britain this decade 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.
Daily Record
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Child with measles dies in hospital as experts fear virus 'could spread like wildfire'
The child passed away at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. A child has died in hospital after contracting measles - making them the second child in the UK to die following an infection in the last decade. The child, who hasn't been formally identified, passed away at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. It is understood they were ill with measles and it is believed they also had other health problems. It is not known whether the child who died had been vaccinated, but the jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill. Officials have since feared the virus could "spread like wildfire". The Times reports. that it suggests Merseyside could be on the cusp of an outbreak. Measles is highly contagious and an infected person remains infectious for up to ten days. Professor Matt Ashton, director of public health for Liverpool, 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." Bosses at NHS Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool have taken the unprecedented step of sending an open letter to parents after kids were left 'seriously unwell' with measles infections. The letter says the reason there has been more cases of measles in children and young people is because fewer people are having the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles as well as two other viruses called mumps and rubella. What are the symptoms of measles? Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, a high temperature, a cough, sneezing, and red, sore, watery eyes. A rash usually appears a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Spots of the rash are sometimes raised and joined together to form blotchy patches, and they're not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or black skin, NHS guidance states, adding: "It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before." What you should do if you think you have measles You should contact 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you think you or your child may have measles, if your child is under one year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles, or if you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. You should also seek urgent medical advice if you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen; you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual; your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual; you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies); you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong. Anyone with measles should stay off work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. Children are vaccinated after their first birthday and then again at 18 months. Anyone can request a jab if they missed out as a child. Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust told the Mirror: "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."
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Child with measles dies at UK hospital as experts warn of the dangers of declining MMR vaccine rates
A CHILD has sadly died after getting measles - as experts warn of declining vaccine rates in the UK. The youngster is understood to have been ill with measles, had other health problems and was in the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. 3 The jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill Credit: Getty 3 They are the second child to succumb to an acute measles infection in Britain this decade. Their age and sex are not known. Around 16 other children have been treated at the hospital - which is in the grip of an outbreak of the disease - after becoming severely unwell with measles. Infections are increasing in Britain as plummeting vaccine rates leave children vulnerable - with London seeing 233 cases in the first six months of this year, the highest in the country. The jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill. It is unclear if the child who died had received a vaccine. The MMR vaccine rate in Liverpool for children by the age of five is 73 per cent, the lowest outside of London. It is also lower than an 86 per cent average across the northwest and 84 per cent across the the whole of England. A major outbreak in Birmingham and London contributed to 2,911 measles cases in England last year. The main symptoms of measles MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first signs include: A high temperature A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A cough Red, sore, watery eyes Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red or white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin. Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death. Source: NHS This is the highest number since 2012. There have been 529 confirmed cases in 2025 so far, and the majority were children under ten. In the past few months, several seriously ill children have been admitted to St Mary's hospital in Paddington, and one had to be treated in intensive care. Professor Matt Ashton, director of public health for Liverpool, 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.' Alder Hey, the local NHS and public health teams in Liverpool and Merseyside, are co-ordinating a response to the increase in cases, trying to alert families to the risks and help parents get their children vaccinated. Measles is highly contagious, and a person remains infectious for up to ten days and can spread the virus to 15 people.
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Child with measles dies at UK hospital as experts warn of the dangers of declining MMR vaccine rates
A CHILD has sadly died after getting measles - as experts warn of declining vaccine rates in the UK. The youngster is understood to have been ill with measles, had other health problems and was in the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. Advertisement 3 The jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill Credit: Getty 3 They are the second child to succumb to an acute measles infection in Britain this decade. Their age and sex are not known. Around 16 other children have been treated at the hospital - which is in the grip of an outbreak of the disease - after becoming severely unwell with measles. Infections are increasing in Britain as plummeting vaccine rates leave children vulnerable - with London seeing 233 cases in the first six months of this year, the highest in the country. Advertisement Read more The jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill. It is unclear if the child who died had received a vaccine. The MMR vaccine rate in Liverpool for children by the age of five is 73 per cent, the lowest outside of London. It is also lower than an 86 per cent average across the northwest and 84 per cent across the the whole of England. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive A major outbreak in Birmingham and London contributed to 2,911 measles cases in England last year. The main symptoms of measles MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first signs include: A high temperature A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A cough Red, sore, watery eyes Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy. The rash looks brown or red or white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin. Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death. Source: This is the highest number since 2012. There have been 529 confirmed cases in 2025 so far, and the majority were children under ten. In the past few months, several seriously ill children have been admitted to St Mary's hospital in Paddington, and one had to be treated in intensive care. Advertisement Professor Matt Ashton, director of public health for Liverpool, 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.' Alder Hey, the local NHS and public health teams in Advertisement Measles is highly contagious, and a person remains infectious for up to ten days and can spread the virus to 15 people. 3 Infections are increasing as low vaccine rates leave kids vulnerable. Stock image Credit: Getty
