Health officials are fearing an outbreak of measles after a child tragically died from the disease. It was the second death due to an acute measles infection in Britain this decade and public health experts are worried about the current number of children being treated for the disease.
The child, whose identity has not been revealed, passed away just days after several other children were hospitalised due to measles at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Merseyside. Officials said the children were “seriously unwell” and now fear that an outbreak could “spread like wildfire” across the area.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, people infected with measles remain contagious for up to 10 days. The vaccine uptake is low in Liverpool, with around 288 out of every 1,000 people susceptible to the virus.
Professor Matt Ashton, Liverpool’s director of public health, said: “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community.
“My concern is the unprotected population and it spreading like wildfire. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important that people understand the seriousness of this.”
Bosses at NHS Alder Hey Children’s Hospital sent an open letter to parents after a rise in children becoming “seriously unwell” in measles. The hospital attributes the surge in infections to a decline in MMR vaccinations which has a 97% protection rate against measles.
Measles symptons usually start with those associated with the common cold followed by a rash. Some people develop small spots inside their mouth.
The rash, which is not typically itchy, is sometimes raised and can form blotchy patches. It appears as a brown or red colour.
The NHS said: “It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.”
If you think you or your child has measles you should call 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment. You should also seek medical advice if your child is under the age of one and has come into contact with someone with measles.
Anyone with measles should stay off work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
Children are vaccinated after their first birthday and then again at 18 months. Anyone can request a jab if they missed out as a child.
Find out more about measles via the NHS website here.