Major measles outbreak alert for Hackney and Haringey
Charedi areas of north London at risk due to lower take up of free MMR vaccination for 4-11 year olds
Up to 160,000 children are at risk from a measles outbreak according to a risk assessment from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The government agency has estimated between 40,000 and 160,000 cases could occur in London due to lower levels of vaccine coverage in areas like Hackney and Haringey.
Health professionals are encouraging families to check that they and their children have had two doses of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and that anyone who hasn’t already had two doses of the free MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated.
Unvaccinated contact of measles cases may be required to stay off school for up to 21 days.
The disease can hospitalise as many as 2 in 5 cases and this outbreak scenario could lead to tens of thousands of patients in hospital.
UKHSA is strongly urging parents across Haringey and Hackney to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years and four months of age.
If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly considering the recent cases.
Rabbi Chaim Pinter, principal at Yesodey Hatorah Senior Girls School in Stamford hill says: “My late father, Rabbi Avrohom Pinter, was a tireless advocate for the health needs of our community. Diseases such as measles, polio, whooping cough, and meningitis are extremely serious and can result in long-term disabilities or worse. It is crucial that children receive all their routine immunisations on time to protect themselves and those around them.”
Dr Leonora Weil, Public Health Consultant at UKHSA London said: “Measles is highly infectious and can lead to severe illness and even death. Thankfully, the MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from catching this potentially fatal infection. If you’ve never had the vaccine or missed a dose it’s never too late to catch up and ensure you and your family have the necessary protection.”
Dr Sandra Husbands, Borough of Hackney, Department of Public Health, said: “Measles can have tragic long-term consequences including severe disability or even death. The rising cases across London is really concerning because we have particularly low MMR coverage here in Hackney and City of London and so a large number of children and adults are at risk. We have an opportunity now to prevent measles spreading locally and so please come forward if you or your child is not up to date. It is never too late to get protected.”
“Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure. It is never too late for adults to catch up too.”
Anyone with symptoms of measles is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Measles symptoms to be aware of include:
· high fever
· sore, red, watery eyes
· coughing
· aching and feeling generally unwell
· a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.
For further information about measles and MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website – www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
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