London, 6 June (IANS). Britain’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday issued a warning on the increasing cases of measles in England. The agency has warned that the increase in travel during summer holidays may lead to further speed in measles cases.
According to the latest data released by UKHSA, 420 measles cases have been confirmed in England since 1 January 2025. Of these, 109 cases appeared in April and 86 May. The most cases have been reported in London throughout the year. In the last four weeks, 35 out of 75 cases were reported in London (47 percent). Out of these cases, 66 percent of the patients are children under 10 years of age, which is worrisome.
The UKHSA said that as people will go on travel during summer holidays, especially towards abroad, then measles virus can spread rapidly. The virus still remains an endemic in many countries of the world.
Explain that this year, the outbreak of measles has been seen in many countries of Europe, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. At the same time, according to the World Health Organization, the highest number of measles cases are being registered in Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria.
The UKHSA has appealed to all the parents to ensure that their children have got both doses of MMR vaccine on time.
UKHSA advisor Epidemiologist Vanessa Saliba said, “It is very important that everyone, especially the parents of young children, check that all their family members have two doses of MMR vaccine, especially if they are going to travel in summer or meet relatives.”
According to the World Health Organization, measles is a highly infectious viral disease, which spreads by breathing, coughing or sneezing of an infected person. The disease manifests as high fever, cough, flowing nose and rash on the entire body.
Khasra can happen to anyone, but it is the most common in children. Pregnant women and young children with non -vaccinated are at the greatest risk of its serious consequences.
Vaccination is the safest and effective way to avoid measles. The MMR vaccine strengthens the body’s immunity and prevents the infection from spreading.
Following this warning from the UKHSA, health experts have also appealed to the people to check the vaccination status of their children and other family members before the summer holidays and get the vaccine.
-IANS
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