British Authorities Express Concern Over Measles Outbreak

Measles Infections on the Rise in Great Britain, Particularly Among Children Under Ten

Concerns are growing as the number of measles infections in Great Britain is on the upswing, with a significant impact on children under the age of ten. The disease, known for its highly contagious nature, can lead to fatal long-term consequences even years after initial infection, prompting a British health authority to express worry over the escalating cases.

Recent months have seen a spike in infections, particularly in the vicinity of Birmingham. The UK Health Security Agency reported over 200 confirmed cases and around 100 suspected cases in the West Midlands region since October. Alarmingly, 80 percent of these cases occurred in Birmingham, with a majority affecting children under the age of ten.

Measles, one of the most contagious infectious diseases, spreads through actions like coughing, sneezing, or speaking. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinct reddish-brown rash. Beyond immediate effects, the virus can lead to severe complications such as brain inflammation and, in extremely rare instances but with fatal consequences, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

While SSPE is exceptionally rare in the United States and Western Europe due to widespread measles vaccination, the recent surge in cases is a cause for concern. Measles, a preventable disease with a two-dose vaccine, continues to pose a threat, especially to unvaccinated individuals. Tragically, infections persist among infants who have not yet received vaccination, often due to exposure in shared spaces.

The risk of SSPE is highest for those who contract measles before the age of two. Despite efforts to curb the disease through vaccination, the absence of a definitive cure remains a challenge. Early signs of SSPE, such as forgetfulness and irritability, progress to more severe symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, mental deterioration, speech problems, muscle stiffness, and swallowing difficulties. The fatal outcome usually occurs one to three years after the onset of symptoms.

Experts emphasize the severity of measles, countering claims that it is merely a harmless childhood illness. The rise in infections underscores the importance of vaccination efforts and public health measures to protect vulnerable populations from the potentially devastating consequences of measles.

masern trotz impfung

afluria impfung

masern impfung auffrischen

masern mumps röteln impfung auffrischung

masern trotz impfung kind

masern impfung ab wann