'Concerning' measles rise prompts vaccination call

Parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated against measles after a rise in cases in the West Country.

The south west had the highest proportion of measles cases in the country (46%) between 16 December and 13 January, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

During this time there were 30 new cases of measles in the south west.

"Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases," said Dr Alasdair Wood, UKHSA consultant in health protection for the region.

The figures also show that there have been 115 confirmed cases of the disease in the south west over the past year.

Bristol has had the most cases in the region since 1 January 2024, with 57, followed by Gloucestershire (23) and Somerset (11).

The rise comes as vaccination rates for two doses have fallen below 90%, which could lead to more outbreaks, the UKHSA has warned.

Dr Wood said measles had been "circulating across the country" over the last 12 months, with the majority of cases in the south west confirmed in November and December.

"This more rapid rise in cases within the region is concerning," he added.

Symptoms of measles can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.

"People are infectious from four full days before and until four full days after the rash appears," said Dr Wood.

"Those at the highest risk of severe infection include pregnant women, children under one year old and immunocompromised individuals.

"We all have a responsibility to help protect these groups by getting vaccinated and reducing the spread of the infection."

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