Leicester among worst affected by ‘biggest measles outbreak in more than a decade’

Leicester remains among the worst-hit places as measles infections skyrocket across the country. The outbreak began in October, with Birmingham at its epicenter.

Now cases are spreading across the country – and Leicester had the third highest number of suspected infections. There have been 132 cases of the disease since the beginning of the year in the city.

Of these, 12 suspected cases were reported in the three weeks to Sunday 2 June – the latest available. Comparatively, the cases are much lower in the county.

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Blaby is the worst affected of the districts and boroughs in the county, with 45 suspected cases this year and three in the three weeks to June 2. Harborough and North West Leicestershire reported the fewest, with nine each since Monday January 1 and one each in the last three weeks of data.

Where an illness is thought to be measles, a sample must be sent for laboratory tests to confirm that it is the illness. Not all suspected cases will eventually be confirmed as measles, so the actual number of infections is likely to be lower.

Birmingham is still the worst hit, with 382 infections since the start of January. The country’s second city reported 22 suspected cases in the three weeks to June 2. Manchester has the second highest number, with 141 in total, including nine in the last three weeks of data.

Figures from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) show that since the current outbreak began in Birmingham in early October, there have been 1,749 laboratory-confirmed cases. This includes 1,531 confirmed cases so far in 2024.

That figure is more than four times the 362 cases seen last year and the largest outbreak in more than a decade, the Reach Data Unit said. Separate figures show that in the three weeks to June 3, UKHSA received notifications of 627 suspected measles cases from GPs in England and Wales.

The UKHSA has now sent letters to doctors across the country offering guidance on how to protect patients with weakened immune systems. This could include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as well as people with genetic disorders and certain diseases or conditions.

Anyone with a weakened immune system—especially children, who are more likely to come into contact with someone infected with measles—is more at risk of serious complications from measles, such as viral pneumonitis, an infection of the lungs.

Guidance sent to clinicians responsible for the care of immunocompromised patients warns that “there has been an increase in the number of confirmed measles cases and local outbreaks reported in England” and that “children under 10 have been particularly affected. in the current outbreak”.

Parents are advised to ensure that schools and nurseries are aware of the risks and the need to quickly alert the family if some classmates are diagnosed with measles. People are also advised to ensure that all family members and close contacts are fully vaccinated and to seek guidance if someone with a weakened immune system is exposed to measles.

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%.

Only 84.5% received both doses. The World Health Organization has said that coverage must be 95% or higher to achieve population-level immunity.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at UKSHA, said: “Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications particularly in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. No one wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles or put others who are more vulnerable at risk.

“The best way to protect vulnerable close contacts from measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide lifelong protection and it’s never too late to catch up. Anyone who is not up to speed should make an appointment as soon as possible at their GP practice.”

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