Latest news with #MatthewAshton
Sky News
5 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Measles 'circulating' in area where child died from disease, expert warns
A Liverpool City Council official has urged the public to be aware of the symptoms of measles after a child died from the disease. Speaking on The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, director of public health for Liverpool City Council, Professor Matthew Ashton, said he wanted to raise awareness of the virus. It comes after a child died at the city's Alder Hey Children's Hospital after becoming ill with measles and other health problems. Mr Ashton said that measles was "circulating" in the community, with 17 cases recorded at Alder Hey since the start of June - which he said "is a worry for us". "It's a really nasty virus," he added. "No matter who you are, if you're not protected, it can do you harm." Earlier on Monday, chairman of the Local Government Association's community wellbeing board, councillor David Fothergill, said there was "an urgent need to address falling immunisation rates". "These gaps have contributed to 529 confirmed measles cases in England so far in 2025," he said, "with 68% occurring in children under the age of 10." 41:50 Speaking to Sky News, Mr Ashton said: "Vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade... In Liverpool, we're down below 74%. "Nationally, it's a bit higher than that, but it's still far too low. And the trouble is then, when you have unexposed populations or unprotected populations, the potential for measles going rogue is very high." Mr Ashton said vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade and that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 95% vaccination levels to reach herd immunity. 3:03 Mr Ashton noted "there's lots of reasons why vaccination rates have dropped," citing "fatigue" from the COVID pandemic and "disinformation," but added: "I do think it's more complicated than that. "I think we have to recognise that life for our communities has got significantly harder over the last ten years, and people are working really hard to make sure they can still pay the bills, put food on the table, look after loved ones. "Sometimes routine health care appointments are just not top of the list of things to do." What are the symptoms of measles? The first symptoms of measles include: • A high temperature • A runny or blocked nose • Sneezing • A cough • Red, sore or watery eyes Cold-like symptoms are followed a few days later by a rash, which starts on the face and behind the ears, before it spreads. The spots are usually raised and can join together to form blotchy patches which are not usually itchy. Some people may get small spots in their mouth too. What should you do if you think your child has measles? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you think your child has measles. If your child has been vaccinated, it is very unlikely they have measles. You should not go to the doctor without calling ahead, as measles is very infectious. If your child is diagnosed with measles by a doctor, make sure they avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. The public health director said that while "people assume it's an old disease or it's one that's gone away... it couldn't be further from the case". He noted that one case of measles can infect up to 15 people, and urged people that if they think they have symptoms, call their GP or 111 - and do not go to A&E.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles: Liverpool health official urges public to be aware of symptoms after child dies
A Liverpool City Council official has urged the public to be aware of the symptoms of measles after a child died from the disease. Speaking on , director of public health for Liverpool City Council, Professor Matthew Ashton, said he wanted to raise awareness of the virus. It comes after a child died at the city's Alder Hey Children's Hospital after becoming ill with and other health problems. Mr Ashton said that measles was "circulating" in the community, with 17 cases recorded at Alder Hey since the start of June - which he said "is a worry for us". "It's a really nasty virus," he added. "No matter who you are, if you're not protected, it can do you harm." Earlier on Monday, chairman of the Local Government Association's community wellbeing board, councillor David Fothergill, said there was "an urgent need to address falling immunisation rates". "These gaps have contributed to 529 confirmed measles cases in England so far in 2025," he said, "with 68% occurring in children under the age of 10." Speaking to Sky News, Mr Ashton said: "Vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade... In Liverpool, we're down below 74%. "Nationally, it's a bit higher than that, but it's still far too low. And the trouble is then, when you have unexposed populations or unprotected populations, the potential for measles going rogue is very high." Mr Ashton said vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade and that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 95% vaccination levels to reach herd immunity. Read more: Mr Ashton noted "there's lots of reasons why vaccination rates have dropped," citing "fatigue" from the COVID pandemic and "disinformation," but added: "I do think it's more complicated than that. "I think we have to recognise that life for our communities has got significantly harder over the last ten years, and people are working really hard to make sure they can still pay the bills, put food on the table, look after loved ones. "Sometimes routine health care appointments are just not top of the list of things to do." The public health director said that while "people assume it's an old disease or it's one that's gone away... it couldn't be further from the case". He noted that one case of measles can infect up to 15 people, and urged people that if they think they have symptoms, call their GP or 111 - and do not go to A&E.
Sky News
5 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Measles: Liverpool health official urges public to be aware of symptoms after child dies
A Liverpool City Council official has urged the public to be aware of the symptoms of measles after a child died from the disease. Speaking on The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee, director of public health for Liverpool City Council, Professor Matthew Ashton, said he wanted to raise awareness of the virus. It comes after a child died at the city's Alder Hey Children's Hospital after becoming ill with measles and other health problems. Mr Ashton said that measles was "circulating" in the community, with 17 cases recorded at Alder Hey since the start of June - which he said "is a worry for us". "It's a really nasty virus," he added. "No matter who you are, if you're not protected, it can do you harm." Earlier on Monday, chairman of the Local Government Association's community wellbeing board, councillor David Fothergill, said there was "an urgent need to address falling immunisation rates". "These gaps have contributed to 529 confirmed measles cases in England so far in 2025," he said, "with 68% occurring in children under the age of 10." 41:50 Speaking to Sky News, Mr Ashton said: "Vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade... In Liverpool, we're down below 74%. "Nationally, it's a bit higher than that, but it's still far too low. And the trouble is then, when you have unexposed populations or unprotected populations, the potential for measles going rogue is very high." Mr Ashton said vaccination rates have been declining nationally for the last decade and that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 95% vaccination levels to reach herd immunity. 3:03 Mr Ashton noted "there's lots of reasons why vaccination rates have dropped," citing "fatigue" from the COVID pandemic and "disinformation," but added: "I do think it's more complicated than that. "I think we have to recognise that life for our communities has got significantly harder over the last ten years, and people are working really hard to make sure they can still pay the bills, put food on the table, look after loved ones. "Sometimes routine health care appointments are just not top of the list of things to do." What are the symptoms of measles? The first symptoms of measles include: • A high temperature • A runny or blocked nose • Sneezing • A cough • Red, sore or watery eyes Cold-like symptoms are followed a few days later by a rash, which starts on the face and behind the ears, before it spreads. The spots are usually raised and can join together to form blotchy patches which are not usually itchy. Some people may get small spots in their mouth too. What should you do if you think your child has measles? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you think your child has measles. If your child has been vaccinated, it is very unlikely they have measles. You should not go to the doctor without calling ahead, as measles is very infectious. If your child is diagnosed with measles by a doctor, make sure they avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. The public health director said that while "people assume it's an old disease or it's one that's gone away... it couldn't be further from the case". He noted that one case of measles can infect up to 15 people, and urged people that if they think they have symptoms, call their GP or 111 - and do not go to A&E.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Major warning issued to parents amid measles outbreak - symptoms to look out for
Families across Merseyside have been warned that measles is on the rise in a worrying letter - we have listed the main symptoms which can often be mistaken for a common cold Everything you need to know about Measles Health officials have issued a warning following the rapid spread in measles - as schools, nurseries and childcare settings were plunged under the alert. Parents and carers across Merseyside have been urged to take action if they suspect their children have been struck down with the illness. It comes following concerns over an outbreak, with one expert revealing that measles is on the rise. While some symptoms such as coughing can be mistaken for a common cold, one distinct indicator is small white spots which can appear on the cheeks or the back of the lips. Professor Matthew Ashton, the Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council has issued an urgent letter on the matter. In the letter, he states that "measles is on the increase in Merseyside," before detailing the symptoms of the highly contagious viral infection. He said: "If you suspect your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not go directly to the GP practice as measles is highly infectious. Do not send them to school or childcare. People of any age can catch measles if they have not been vaccinated. "Two doses of the MMR vaccine give lifelong protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is safe. The first dose is given at the age of 12 months and the 2nd dose is given at 3 years and 4 months old." The letter adds: "Please make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations." For babies and children 12 months and over, parents are advised to ask at their GP practice if they are unsure about whether they or their child have had the vaccine, reports Liverpool Echo. The letter adds: "It is never too late to catch up. If you have any questions about MMR, the nurse will be happy to answer these at your appointment." Full list of symptoms here High temperature A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A cough Red, sore, watery eyes
Fox News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Science museum claims Legos push a 'heteronormative' agenda in LGBTQ tour
Britain's Science Museum has argued that the way children's Lego bricks fit together reinforces gender and sexuality stereotypes. The Science Museum in the United Kingdom has recently made headlines for its self-guided tour that tells "stories of queer communities, experiences, and identities." This "Seeing Things Queerly" tour at the museum claims that Legos push a "heteronormative" agenda. "Like other connectors and fasteners, Lego bricks are often described in a gendered way," the online blog for the self-guided tour says. "The top of the brick with sticking out pins is male, the bottom of the brick with holes to receive the pins is female, and the process of the two sides being put together is called mating." The tour guide blog adds further, "This is an example of applying heteronormative language to topics unrelated to gender, sex and reproduction. It illustrates how heteronormativity (the idea that heterosexuality and the male/female gender binary are the norm and everything that falls outside is unusual) shapes the way we speak about science, technology, and the world in general." The Telegraph, which resurfaced this tour, which appears to have begun in 2022, on Thursday, reported, "No source is provided for the alleged view that people consider Lego to be gendered, or that sticking bricks together is called 'mating.'" Fiona McAnena, the director of advocacy at Sex Matters, scorched the display as "bonkers." "The Science Museum's self-guided trail on all things 'queer' is completely bonkers, and includes some absurd claims. The idea that Lego is 'heteronormative' because the blocks are described as 'male' and 'female' is ridiculous," she told The Telegraph. "Children who play with Lego don't need to be told that some people say fitting Lego blocks together is 'mating.' People expect to be informed, educated and inspired when visiting the Science Museum, not to have dubious claims rooted in gender ideology forced on them." Lego also sells an LGBTQIA+ playset called "Everyone is Awesome" with Lego minifigures standing in front of a rainbow including the various colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag. Matthew Ashton, the Vice President of Design at the LEGO Group, designed it himself, and explained that he did so with drag queens, the Black community, and transgender people in mind. "It sends a powerful message, but it is also fun and quirky and doesn't take itself too seriously," he said. "We've made sure to include black and brown colors to represent the broad diversity of everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We've also added in the pale blue, white and pink to support and embrace the trans community as well. I purposely put the purple drag queen in as a clear nod to the fabulous side of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hope it's a joy to build and a joy to look at, and hopefully it will bring a lot of joy to people's lives." Lego has also waded into gender politics before. In 2021, the company released a statement expressing concern that girls "remain held back by society's ingrained gender stereotypes as they grow older," and has a lengthy entry on its website on "How eliminating gender bias can build confidence and creativity." Fox News Digital has reached out to both the museum and the Lego company for comment and did not receive an immediate reply.
