Health experts have issued guidance to doctors dealing with chemotherapy and cancer patients as the number of measles cases in the UK soars – see our interactive map for how badly your area is affected
Experts have issued a stark warning to families of young cancer patients as more measles cases have been reported.
GPs have diagnosed more than 600 new suspected cases of the virus – which affects mainly young children and babies – in three weeks. Health experts say the outbreak started in Birmingham at the start of October, with the West Midlands currently seeing the biggest number of cases.
There have already been 1,749 lab-confirmed cases of measles since then, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says, most of which (1,531) have been in 2024. This is more than four times the number of cases throughout 2023 in its entirety. You can see the suspected cases near you with our interactive map.
Separate figures show that in the three weeks up to June 3, the UKHSA has received notifications of 627 suspected cases of measles from GPs in England and Wales. These are alerts that GPs are required to send to the UKHSA every time they diagnose a case of what they believe to be measles.
While these cases have not been confirmed in a laboratory, they show suspected infections in council areas and can provide an early warning of possible outbreaks. The figures show that Birmingham – where the current outbreak began – has had the most suspected cases overall with 382, including 22 in the last week.
Next is Manchester with 141 overall, including nine in the last three weeks, and then Leicester with 132 including 12 most recently. But Wandsworth in London has had the most suspected cases in the last three weeks with 23, including 10 in the week ending June 2, the latest data available.
Now the UKHSA has sent out letters to doctors around the country with guidance for chemo patients and others with weakened immune systems, who are at increased risk of catching the virus. Measles is rarely a serious illness but can cause serious complications in patients with compromised immunity such as pneumonitis or lung infections.
The guidance says “there has been an increase in the number of confirmed measles cases and local outbreaks being reported across England” and that “children under 10 years of age have been particularly affected in the current outbreak”. Parents are advised to make sure schools and nurseries are aware of the risks and the need to quickly alert the family if any classmates are diagnosed with measles.
People are also advised to ensure all family members and close contacts are fully vaccinated and to seek guidance if anyone with a weakened immune system is exposed to measles. The UKHSA blames the spread on low take-up of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in parts of the country.
In England, 92.5% of children had 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% have received both doses. The World Health Organisation said 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, especially in young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. Nobody 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 give lifelong protection and it’s never too late to catch up. Anyone not up-to-date should make an appointment as soon as possible with their GP practice.” The key symptoms of measles include a high fever, coughing, sneezing, red and sore watery eyes, and a rash that usually appears after the initial symptoms.