Urgent measles warning for London

London faces a measles outbreak with tens of thousands of cases unless vaccination rates drastically improve, experts have warned.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said take-up of the MMR jab is at its lowest for a decade, with a rate of 85 per cent in England and just 75 per cent in London.

This is far below the target needed for herd immunity at 95 per cent, they warned.

And it could lead to a measles outbreak of up to 160,000 cases in the capital.

There have been 128 cases of measles recorded in the UK during the first half of this year, compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022.

London accounts for the majority of cases, with 33, followed by the South West which recorded six cases

NHS England data released earlier this year shows that MMR vaccine uptake plunged to just 88.6 per cent for one dose in two year olds, and to 85.5 per cent for both jabs among five year olds

Two-thirds of the cases have been detected in London, which could lead to a resurgence of the highly contagious disease.

Modelling by the UKHSA shows that, unless vaccination rates improve, there could be a major outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases.

Those aged 19 to 25 are the most susceptible, the agency said, and blamed their low vaccination rates on false reporting about a link with autism when they were infants.

The UKHSA said risk for the rest of the UK outside of London is currently low, but warned there could be smaller outbreaks in specific populations including teenagers, young people and under-vaccinated communities.

There is also a high risk of cases linked to overseas travel, they added.

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.

It is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body such as the lungs or brain.

The MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella, is offered to all children in the UK and can give lifelong protection.

While vaccination rates have been falling over several years, the decline accelerated during the pandemic, the agency said.

The NHS is now launching a campaign to encourage everyone to check their vaccination status.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said take-up of the MMR jab is it its lowest for a decade, with a rate of 85 per cent in England and just 75 per cent in London

Official data has revealed the areas most vulnerable to a potential measles outbreak with over a quarter of children in London missing out on the MMR jab, though this rises in almost half in some boroughs 

Meanwhile parents of infants who have not yet had their MMR jab to come forward as soon as possible.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: ‘Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

‘Due to longstanding sub-optimal vaccine uptake there is now a very real risk of seeing big outbreaks in London.

‘Measles spreads very easily but is preventable. To help protect ourselves, our families and those around us it is vital we all ensure we are vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, free on the NHS whatever your age.

‘Parents can check their children’s red book to see if they are up to date or if you’re not sure anyone can call their GP practice. It’s important everyone is fully vaccinated before travelling overseas this summer.

‘Nobody wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles, or put others who are more vulnerable, like babies, at risk. I urge those who have missed their MMR vaccines to catch-up now.’