A 'MEASLES incident' has been declared on the doorstep of Worcestershire as parents are warned vaccination is the best way to protect children from the spreading virus.

Further outbreaks of measles will spread from Birmingham to other towns and cities including Worcester, Malvern and Evesham unless urgent action is taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk.

This was the stark warning from the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Chief Executive during a visit to Birmingham, amid a rapid rise in cases in parts of the region since last October.

Although there are no reported cases of the outbreak in Worcestershire so far (and vaccination rates are high at 90 per cent), concerns are mounting with so many cases right on the county's doorstep - 216 confirmed so far. The virus can cause pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. 

 The latest NHS figures show 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases in the West Midlands with more than 50 children requiring treatment at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Worcester News: CONCERN: Measles can cause serious complications in some instances including pneumonia and meningitis CONCERN: Measles can cause serious complications in some instances including pneumonia and meningitis (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, in a joint statement from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Worcestershire County Council, a spokesperson said: "We do not have any measles outbreaks in the county currently. The best form of protection from measles is have the MMR vaccination.

"We’re really proud that our vaccination rates are so high in Worcestershire, one of the highest uptake rates in the West Midlands, with over 90 per cent of children being vaccinated with two doses by the time they are five years old.

"To give the best protection to everyone, we need our MMR vaccination rates to be even higher. Children who haven’t had their MMR are at increased risk of getting this serious illness, and it’s never too late to catch up if you haven’t had your vaccination.

"The first MMR dose is given at 12 months of age and the second dose is given at three years and four months, before starting school. Parents or guardians of children who are not up to date with their two doses of MMR vaccine can still contact their GP practice to book an appointment.

"Adults who have never previously had the MMR vaccine or have only had one dose can also contact their GP surgery to arrange to catch up with outstanding doses.”

Dr Jason Seewoodhary, a GP previously based in Worcester, said: "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and can spread very easily by coughing and sneezing among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.

"Measles is associated with cold-like symptoms and a high temperature, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and behind the ears but can spread over the whole body. Small white spots may erupt within the mouth. It normally clears up after seven to 10 days.

"However, it can lead to serious problems if it infects other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Complications can include inner ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are more at risk.

"Measles has been rising due to low Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake. Only 85 per cent of children in 2022-23 had received two MMR doses by the time they were five years old, the lowest level since 2010-11 and below the World Health Organisation’s target of 95 per cent.

"Further outbreaks of measles will spread to other towns and cities in the West Midlands unless urgent action is taken to increase MMR vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk. The MMR vaccine is 99 per cent effective after two doses and is free.

"The first dose is given aged one and the second at three years and four months. However teenagers and adults who missed out can also get vaccinated. Vaccination rates of about 95 per cent would give the entire population herd immunity, meaning the few who are unvaccinated, such as young babies are protected because those around them are immune to measles. MMR is very safe and there is no evidence linking it to autism."

His warning echoes the words of Professor Dame Jenny Harries, the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Chief Executive made last Friday in Birmingham as she encourages communities to urgently take up the offer of an MMR vaccine.

As of January 18, there have been 216 confirmed cases and 103 probable cases in the West Midlands since October 1, 2023.

Around 80 per cent of cases have been seen in Birmingham, with about 10 per cent in Coventry, the majority being in children aged under 10 years.

Following a UKHSA risk assessment published last July, which warned of the potential for such outbreaks, Dame Jenny has expressed concern that unless urgent action is taken we are likely to see the measles virus spreading rapidly in other areas with low MMR vaccine uptake.

The UKHSA has declared a national incident. 

If anyone has symptoms of measles, please stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not go to GP surgeries or A & E departments so the illness isn’t spread to others.