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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Measles cases in England linked to European outbreak | Measles cases in England linked to European outbreak |
| (7 months later) | |
| Outbreaks of measles have been confirmed across England, health officials have said. | Outbreaks of measles have been confirmed across England, health officials have said. |
| More than 400 cases have been identified this year, linked to “ongoing large outbreaks in Europe”, according to Public Health England (PHE). | More than 400 cases have been identified this year, linked to “ongoing large outbreaks in Europe”, according to Public Health England (PHE). |
| PHE is urging people to check they are properly vaccinated against the highly infectious viral illness, which can be fatal. | PHE is urging people to check they are properly vaccinated against the highly infectious viral illness, which can be fatal. |
| Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk, while young people mixing in close proximity, for example at festivals, are more vulnerable. | Anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk, while young people mixing in close proximity, for example at festivals, are more vulnerable. |
| Between 1 January and 9 May, there have been 440 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England. The total number is already higher than 2017, when there were 267 confirmed cases. In 2016, there were 531 confirmed cases. | Between 1 January and 9 May, there have been 440 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles in England. The total number is already higher than 2017, when there were 267 confirmed cases. In 2016, there were 531 confirmed cases. |
| Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at PHE, said: “The measles outbreaks we are currently seeing in England are linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. The majority of cases we are seeing are in teenagers and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine when they were children.” | Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at PHE, said: “The measles outbreaks we are currently seeing in England are linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. The majority of cases we are seeing are in teenagers and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine when they were children.” |
| There are large outbreaks in Romania and Italy and those travelling to these countries should check health advice. | There are large outbreaks in Romania and Italy and those travelling to these countries should check health advice. |
| Ramsay said: “Anyone who missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past or are unsure if they had two doses should contact their GP practice to catch up. | Ramsay said: “Anyone who missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past or are unsure if they had two doses should contact their GP practice to catch up. |
| “This serves as an important reminder for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years and four months of age. | “This serves as an important reminder for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years and four months of age. |
| WHO warns over measles immunisation rates as cases rise 300% across Europe | |
| “We would also encourage people to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccine before travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks.” | “We would also encourage people to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccine before travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks.” |
| Of the laboratory confirmed cases, 164 were in London, 86 in the south-east, 78 in the West Midlands, 42 in the south-west and 37 in West Yorkshire. | Of the laboratory confirmed cases, 164 were in London, 86 in the south-east, 78 in the West Midlands, 42 in the south-west and 37 in West Yorkshire. |
| At the end of March, PHE said there had been 168 laboratory confirmed cases of measles. | At the end of March, PHE said there had been 168 laboratory confirmed cases of measles. |
| The World Health Organization declared last year that the UK had eliminated measles for the first time. This meant it had reduced the number of cases to a low enough level to stop it spreading through the population for at least three years. | The World Health Organization declared last year that the UK had eliminated measles for the first time. This meant it had reduced the number of cases to a low enough level to stop it spreading through the population for at least three years. |
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| MMR | MMR |
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