Measles cases have been confirmed in Bristol as England sees infections rise

Seven cases of measles have been confirmed in Bristol so far this year, according to new figures. England is facing a measles emergency, with more than three times as many infections this year than in the whole of 2023 – as our map shows how the outbreak has affected Bristol.

Figures from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) show that more than 1,000 cases of measles have been confirmed by laboratory tests in England so far this year. This is more than three times the 362 cases seen last year and the largest outbreak in more than a decade.

The latest outbreak is believed to have started last October in Birmingham. Since then, 580 cases have been confirmed in the West Midlands, but there have been clusters of infections in every region of England.

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The South-East, with 25 confirmed cases, and the South-West, with 19, are the regions least affected by measles. Elsewhere in the Bristol area, neighboring South Gloucestershire has had no confirmed cases of measles this year, while North Somerset has had three and Bath and North East Somerset recorded one each.

Six in 10 of all infections (62%) were in children under 10, but cases are also reported in adults, with one in five cases (21%) in people over 20.

The UKHSA blames the spread on low uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in parts of the country. In England, 92.5% of children received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in 2022-23, down from 93.4% the previous year and below the national target of 95.5%.

But in some areas, vaccine uptake is much lower. For example, more than one in 10 children in Birmingham, the area where the outbreak is believed to have started, had not been vaccinated (88.1%).

UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Vanessa Saliba said: “Measles cases have increased across the country in recent weeks, particularly in London. Measles is highly contagious, and outbreaks can spread very quickly through communities such as schools and nurseries, especially if those communities have low vaccination rates.

“The MMR jab offers the best protection against measles. Measles is preventable, but we know that some communities, particularly in London, have very low rates of MMR vaccination. This means that many thousands of children across the country are still not fully vaccinated and may be at risk of serious illness that can lead to lifelong complications or even death.

“Parents should check their child’s Red Book now to ensure children are up to date with MMR and other routine vaccinations. If you are not sure, contact your GP to check. Your family doctor can provide the vaccines your child needs to bring him up to date. If the NHS contacts you about catching up on missed vaccines, please reply as soon as possible.”

Key symptoms of measles include high fever, coughing, sneezing, red and watery eyes and a rash that usually appears after the initial symptoms.