It has been reported that two children have died from measles in England this year. The statement also notes that, according to new data, more than 100 new cases of measles have been confirmed in England over the past two weeks.
“Elchi” reports that in a written statement, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that one child died from “acute measles,” while the other child’s death was linked to the “late effects of measles.”
The statement noted that most of the recent measles cases are linked to outbreaks in London and the West Midlands, and the majority of cases are observed in unvaccinated children aged 10 and under.
The statement also mentions that according to new data, more than 100 new cases of measles have been confirmed in England over the past two weeks. “Do not delay vaccinations.”
The statement included comments from Dr. Vanessa Saliba, an expert epidemiologist at UKHSA. Saliba stated that measles continues to spread in many parts of the country and added that the disease can be very serious and even fatal.
Saliba urged all parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date and emphasized that these vaccines provide the best and safest protection against measles.
UK Health Minister James Murray also emphasized that these deaths are a “heartbreaking reminder” that measles is not a harmless childhood disease.
Murray stated that measles can cause serious complications that can be fatal and that the MMR vaccine, which has saved countless lives, remains the best protection against this highly infectious disease.
In the UK, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rate remains below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 95 percent.
According to the latest national statistics, 88.9 percent of children receive the first dose of the vaccine by age 2, while 83.7 percent of 5-year-olds receive both recommended doses.
Şayəstə