Key Summary
- Measles cases are rising in Birmingham again, with a new outbreak reported.
- Low vaccination rates are a key concern, especially among young children.
- Health officials urge parents to get the MMR vaccine to prevent further spread.
Birmingham is now facing a measles outbreak with 54 cases being reported and authorities are urging people to get their children vaccinated, according to media reports.
This is the city’s second outbreak in two years, affecting 400 people.
Measles is a contagious viral disease commonly found in overcrowded regions, easily infecting unvaccinated children below five, with symptoms like high fever, cough, rashes, red eyes, etc.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to safeguard people against the infection.
However, Birmingham has one of the lowest vaccine uptake in the UK, with only 73.5 per cent of children under five years vaccinated.
On the other hand, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 95 per cent children must be vaccinated.
Earlier this year Enfield in London and surrounding areas witnessed a measles outbreak.
Following this, the NHS and authorities have been urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
