Measles in the United Kingdom (Update)

03 May 2012

The measles outbreak in Merseyside, England in ongoing and is the largest in the area since 1988. To date there are 210 confirmed measles cases and a further 92 suspected cases are under investigation. Of the confirmed cases, 39 were ill enough to require admission to hospital for treatment.

The city of Liverpool is the worst affected area and accounts for 125 of the confirmed cases. Other areas reporting cases are: Knowsley (29), Sefton (22), Wirral (7), Cheshire, Halton and St Helens.

Around 50% of cases are in children under 5 years-of-age and more than 30% are in those 15 years and over.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.