Measles: Why are cases rising and what are the symptoms?

Britain's Health and Safety Executive has warned that measles cases could spread rapidly unless more people are vaccinated.

Pop-up clinics are being set up to get more children vaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread by coughing and sneezing.

It usually heals in 7 to 10 days. However, if it infects other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, it can cause serious problems.

Complications may include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.

Infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk.

Number of children in lower grades of elementary school who have been infected MMR vaccine It is highly effective against measles, mumps and rubella, but its doses are below the World Health Organization's targets.

This makes measles outbreaks more common.

Approximately 85% of children in 2022-23 2 doses of MMR By age five, it was the lowest level since 2010-11. The goal is 95%.

The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, has the highest number of cases in recent months, with more than 200.

Small outbreaks have also occurred in parts of London, where nearly half of children have not been vaccinated.

Small clusters of cases have also occurred in other parts of the country.

According to the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), there were 1,603 suspected cases of measles in England and Wales in 2023. This is a significant increase from 735 cases in 2022 and 360 cases in 2021.

Small white spots may appear in the mouth.

A patchy red or brown rash usually appears on the face and behind the ears a few days after the initial symptoms, then spreads to other parts of the body.

It may be difficult to see on brown or black skin.

The virus is carried in tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Measles is spread by breathing in droplets, touching droplets, or putting your hands near your nose or mouth.

People who have measles are contagious for at least four days after the rash appears.

Some schools also have pop-up clinics.

The first dose of MMR is usually given at 12 months of age and the second at about 3 years and 4 months of age, before school starts. Reduces the risk of someone getting measles or transmitting it to others.

Whether you're a child or an adult, you can always catch up on your jab.

Muslim communities who do not eat pork products can request an alternative version called Priorix from their GP.

If the MMR vaccine is not appropriate, a treatment called human normal immune globulin (HNIG) can be given to people at immediate risk of contracting measles.

Most side effects are mild and do not last long.

The area where the needle was inserted may be red, sore, or swollen for several days.

Infants and young children may have a high fever for up to 72 hours.

Researcher Andrew Wakefield falsely claimed that the two were connected in 1998.

The NHS advises patients to:

If you or your child: Go to A&E or call 999.

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should urgently seek medical attention after coming into contact with a measles patient.