Northern Ireland has received its first measles case in seven years, worsening the UK-wide outbreak. Low measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake in some places has contributed to the recent surge, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
In the four weeks starting January 22, England has had 169 new measles cases, bringing the total to 581 from October to today. A stark contrast to the UK, which verified only two instances in 2021 and 54 in 2022.
An individual in his 40s who contracted measles in England’s West Midlands died in Ireland, emphasising the case’s severity. Healthcare professionals are concerned about UK measles rates at their highest since the 1990s.
Measles, a dangerous viral infection, causes high fevers, painful and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and a body-wide red rash. Most recover within a week, but severe cases can cause pneumonia, meningitis, seizures, blindness, and death. Child vulnerability is high.
A measles outbreak highlights the need for immunisations. The 1988 British MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella for life and has over 99 percent efficacy. Although worldwide effective, vaccine uptake in England dropped to 85 percent in 2022-2023, the lowest since 2010-2011. Conspiracy theories, like Wakefield’s MMR vaccine-autism link, have made many wary of vaccination.
Wakefield’s 1998 deception reduced the MMR vaccination rate, and the National Health Service England says that 3.4 million children under 16 are unvaccinated. Anti-vaccination views during the COVID-19 epidemic fuelled MMR vaccine mistrust.
Besides measles, avoidable diseases are returning. TB, which was prevalent in the Victorian and Edwardian ages, increased 11% in England last year. Since poverty and deprivation are linked to TB, ongoing surveillance and immunisation programs are needed to prevent its return.
Due to these issues, health authorities must use vaccine misinformation control and public awareness promotion to ensure public health safety.
