Mid-Worcestershire MP calls for residents to protect themselves against measles
Cases across the West Midlands are rising.
Local MP Nigel Huddleston is today calling on anyone who isn’t vaccinated to urgently come forward to get their measles (MMR) vaccine amid rising cases in the West Midlands.
Between the 1 October 2023 and 12 January 2024, there were 167 confirmed cases, and a further 88 likely cases. Around 80% of cases have been seen in Birmingham, with about 10% in Coventry, however other local authority areas are now being affected by measles.
UKHSA health professionals are concerned that these figures will rise quickly, as whilst most parents ensure their children get both MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) doses, in some communities uptake of the MMR vaccine is worryingly low.
Spreading very easily among those who are unvaccinated – especially in nurseries and schools – measles is a nasty disease which can cause serious illness in some children. This, sadly, can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases can tragically cause death. People in certain at-risk groups such as babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.
Commenting upon the situation, local MP Nigel Huddleston said:
“It is worrying to hear of the rising numbers of Measles cases in the West Midlands. I strongly encourage those in my Mid Worcestershire constituency to get the MMR vaccine if they haven’t already. Whilst the rate of immunisation is higher in Mid Worcestershire than other areas, more can be done to help prevent further spread.”