Latest news with #MMR
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Measles hotspots mapped after child dies and UK 'redoubles efforts' to vaccinate
After a child died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, efforts have been stepped up as the government urge parents to increase their efforts to vaccinate children A new map has revealed the current epicenter of England's measles outbreak - as the government says the nation must 'redouble its efforts' to vaccinate more children after the death of a child. Earlier this month it was revealed that a child, who was ill with measles and other health problems, had died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. In a statement, Alder Hey said it was ' concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles'. Alder Hey said it had treated 17 children for effects and complications of measles since June. 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. Check measles cases and vaccination rates in your area using our interactive map below After the latest death, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Parliament that 'no child in this country should be dying of measles'. He said the tragedy showed 'we have got to redouble our efforts on vaccination'. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab provides over 95% protection against getting ill. However vaccination rates have slumped across England. Not one council area in England has hit the target rate of getting 95% of children vaccinated, which the World Health Authority (WHO) says is necessary to achieve herd immunity, which stops illnesses from transmitting across the population. In 22 council areas, the vaccination rate for the MMR jab has slipped below 75%. At the same time, cases of measles are rising. So far this year, 529 cases of measles have been confirmed by laboratory reports. The majority were in children aged 10 and under, but measles has also been diagnosed in young people and adults. Hackney, in Central London, has the lowest vaccination rate in the country - and the second highest number of confirmed cases of measles so far in 2025. The latest figures show that just three in five children had received both doses of the MMR jab by their fifth birthday (60.8%) in Hackney. As our map shows, there have been 46 lab-confirmed cases of measles in the central London borough so far in 2025. Only one council area in England has seen more cases of measles so far this year, Bristol (47). Vaccination rates were much higher in Bristol, at 83%, but still well below the 95% target. After Bristol and Hackney, Leeds (29 confirmed cases of measles), Salford (27), Birmingham (26), and Newham (24), have seen the highest number of cases. None of the 13 hotspot areas with at least 10 confirmed cases of measles so far this year have a vaccination rate above 90%. Fewer than seven in 10 children (70%) are up to date with their MMR jabs in four of the areas with the biggest number of infections, and fewer than 80% in eight areas. Our map only shows areas with at least 10 confirmed cases of measles. This is because UKHSA suppresses case counts in areas with fewer than 10 cases.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prostate Cancer: Why are we ignoring prostate cancer? The silent epidemic affecting millions of men
It's time we discuss something that often flies under the radar in our homes, clinics, and chatter — prostate cancer. This condition, which strikes millions of men worldwide, continues to grow in prevalence, particularly in nations like India where awareness is in infancy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The silent intruder Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is one of the accessory gland of the male sex situated just beneath the bladder and ahead of the rectum. It has an important role along with seminal vesicle in male fertility, secreting seminal fluid that nourishes sperm and carries sperm. What is so risky about prostate cancer is that it can go on silently, particularly during its initial stages. Most men do not have symptoms until the cancer has progressed. Indeed, some are diagnosed by chance while undergoing standard health examinations or testing for other ailments. Identifying the symptoms Despite early prostate cancer not having symptoms, men should note warning signs that include: ● Frequent urination, particularly at night ● Straining or inability to start or stop urination ● Weakened or interrupted stream of urine ● Painful or burning sensation on urination ● Blood in urine or semen ● Pelvic, back, or hip pain (indicative of more advanced disease) It is noteworthy that the symptoms can also be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urinary tract infection. But neglecting them or attributing them to it's "just age catching up" can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Who's at risk? Though prostate cancer is diagnosed most frequently in men above the age of 50 years, some conditions raise the risk: ● Age: Risk becomes a lot higher after 50 years. Median age at diagnosis moved to 67 from 70 years a decade ago. ● Hereditary: >3 such cases in the same family or > 2 such cases diagnosed < 55 years have a high risk. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ● Family history: 2 first-degree relatives or 1 first degree relative and > 2 second degree relative are at high risk. ● Genetic - Germline mutations such as BRCA2, HOXB13, BRCA1, CHEK2, ATM, MMR genes etc ● Race: African and Afro-Caribbean men are at higher risk, although data in Indian men is increasing ● Lifestyle: Metabolic syndrome, Alcohol, High fried food diet, red and processed meat and obesity have been linked to increased risk Diagnosis and screening Globally, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) are the primary tools for screening. Though these are not foolproof diagnostic methods, they help identify men who may require further evaluation. Once there is suspicion, imaging examinations such as mpMRI - multiparametric MRI, and a prostate biopsy (in which a small amount of tissue is checked for cancer cells), are employed to establish the diagnosis. No national screening program exists in India, and routine screening is not practiced for all due to overdiagnosis concerns. Yet, for men over 50 — or 45 if there is a family history — yearly screening can be lifesaving. Modern treatment strategies Treatment varies by stage and grade of cancer, along with the patient's age, overall health, and personal preferences. The primary choices are: ● Active Surveillance: For low-risk cancer in older men, where active surveillance is preferred to treatment right away ● Surgery: Radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) is commonly performed when cancer is localized ● Radiation Therapy: External beam and internal radiation (brachytherapy) are utilized ● Hormone Therapy: Reduces testosterone levels, which prostate cancer requires for growth ● Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: Applied in case of advanced or resistant diseases New methods such as robotic surgery and targeted therapy are becoming increasingly popular in top Indian hospitals on par with western hospitals, providing greater precision and quick recovery. Life after diagnosis Prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating. The good news is that survival rates are excellent, particularly if it is diagnosed early. In a well functioning man, early localized prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate of more than 98%. After treatment, some men will have problems such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, counseling, and drugs can control these problems. Support groups, increasingly available in India's cities, also offer emotional support and solidarity. Breaking the silence In Indian society, where discussions about men's health — particularly below-the-belt matters — remain whispered, awareness is the priority. Men need to be motivated to open up, get regular checks, and make their wellbeing a priority equally as that of their families. Your life is important. Get tested. Speak with your physician. Live stronger. Dr. Chandan MN - MCh Urology - Consultant Apollo Hospital Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire parents warned about measles jab
Health officials are urging parents in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to check their children are fully vaccinated against figures reveal uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab has fallen across the two GP Dr Nathalie Dukes said: "The evidence is clear that the increase in the number of people who are getting infected is coinciding with the rates of vaccination dropping."Dr Dukes said she believed one of the reasons behind the fall in vaccination numbers is that people have "forgotten how serious conditions like measles can be". She said: "We have come to the luxurious position where up until recently these conditions were not really around anymore."We didn't see many cases so it was out of our remit of relevance to a degree. "Information overload is another factor. I think people have got a bit vaccine fatigue since Covid in terms of being told what to do and in terms of concerns, so people have maybe taken that to childhood vaccinations as well."Measles is a highly contagious disease spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people, including infections of the lungs and target set by the World Health Organisation to prevent the spread of measles through herd immunity is a 95% overall vaccination NHS figures show 83% of children received their second dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in North Lincolnshire and Hull in 2023/24 - down from 91% in 2013/ is also 83% in Lincolnshire - 4% lower than 10 years ago, while rates have also dropped by 4% to 91% in North East 2024, there were more than 2,900 confirmed measles cases in England - the highest number of cases recorded annually since the beginning of this year, there have been 529 confirmed cases reported in England, according to figures by the UK Health Security July, a child died at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital after contracting the experienced an outbreak, with government figures showing 26 confirmed cases between January and June, while Bristol had recorded the most cases to date outside London with 11% of the national total. Speaking at a children's play centre in Hull, mum-of-two Lily Kemp said it was important to make sure children were fully vaccinated against infections, such as said: "I think social media doesn't help because people share their experiences and some might comment on the short-term effects rather than the long-term benefits of what they're protecting against if they get vaccinated."A joint statement from the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Hull City Council said: "While the majority of children are protected, there remain pockets of low uptake that increase the risk of measles outbreaks."Vaccination remains the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella."We urge all parents and carers to check their child's Red Book or contact their GP if they are unsure whether their child is up to date."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
London mum urges vaccinations after baby hospitalised
Mum Georgia House, 29, has joined the calls, after she spent five days in London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital last year with then five-month-old Margot. The youngster, who had a cold, a cough, and a red blotchy rash, was too young at the time to be vaccinated. The infant had to be connected to oxygen and feeding tubes to help her fight the virus, and at one point, her oxygen levels were "frighteningly low". Baby Margot spent five days in hospital. (Image: SWNS) Little Margot caught the virus while she was being treated at Chelsea and Westminster in early April 2024 - for a completely separate allergic reaction. Georgia, from Clapham, southwest London, is now urging parents to vaccinate their children as the UK records a dramatic increase in the number of measles infections. There have been 500 cases of measles this year in England alone, with the rise blamed on the falling uptake of the MMR vaccine. Margot is now vaccinated against the disease. Georgia, head of revenue at a tech company, said: 'I was so nervous when we arrived at the hospital as she was really, really poorly. 'But we did feel like we were in safe hands. Georgia is calling for others to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of measles. (Image: SWNS) 'Our doctor told us that while it would be horrible for Margot, she would be okay. 'But it was still heartbreaking to see someone so small hooked up to all those machines.' At just five months old at the time, Margot was too young to be vaccinated. However, the option is available for all those over the age of one. 'It's so frustrating because this is all so preventable,' Georgia said. 'The reason we've got this spike is because of a drop in people getting vaccinated. 'The UK has lost its herd immunity. At first, they thought Margot had a cold. (Image: SWNS) 'People who aren't vaccinated are risking the lives of these little ones – and the lives of vulnerable, immunocompromised people.' Georgia and her husband James first noticed their baby girl was unwell when she developed a cough and a cold, and later a rash. But when they took Margot to two separate GPs, both dismissed it as either a typical cold or another allergic reaction to nuts - for which she'd been to hospital for on April 2. However, the family received a letter saying Margot had been exposed to measles during that visit and so they rushed her back to Chelsea and Westminster, on April 17. Georgia and James discovered Margot was the fourth paediatric case that day, they say. 'The sentiment at the hospital was definitely one of anger,' Georgia said. 'Doctors were telling me that people just don't seem to understand how serious measles is. 'And people avoiding vaccinations has been devastating because we used to not have any cases in the UK. Recommended Reading 'I don't know if people are wary of vaccines after Covid but please, please get vaccinated. 'This is completely safe - it has been around since 1968. And it could save lives.' A year on, Margot is happy and healthy but measles can be deadly or otherwise lead to very serious complications. Early symptoms include a fever, sore, red and watery eyes, coughing and sneezing. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth, and a blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days. The rash typically starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Liverpool mum says measles death led to her MMR vaccine rethink
A mother-of-three who previously had vaccine safety concerns said she had allowed her children to have the MMR jab following the recent death of a child with from Liverpool, said she and some of her friends had been sceptical, especially since the development and rollout of Covid when she learned about rising measles cases on Merseyside, including a death at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Aimee said she had reconsidered her stance."I thought it was about time I got it done," she told BBC News. Aimee said she had been reluctant to have her children - aged six, five and three - vaccinated due to a friend's negative experiences."With that being close and personal I chose that that was not what I wanted for my child," she also said she had spoken with other parents who were concerned about the speed of the Covid vaccine rollout."A lot of people are scared of vaccines now and do question whether it is what we need in our children's bodies," she after seeing recent news of children falling ill with measles and other diseases including meningitis, Aimee said she had changed her mind."That was the other side of the coin," she said. "I thought it was about time I got it done." Aimee attended one of several catch-up vaccination clinics that are being run across Merseyside this Connell, an uptake improvement officer at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, said the clinics were about having an "open conversation" with parents to explain how the vaccination process works and what is involved."If the parent is unsure we are there to speak to them and explain," she said there was "a lot of misinformation on social media" about vaccines."I definitely look more for the NHS side of things instead of choosing to believe what's on the community gossip pages," she said she was "very relieved" that her children would be fully vaccinated ahead of winter."I'll be able to rest now if a cold comes about," she explained, saying many of her fears about more serious illnesses had been allayed. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
