Measles in the United Kingdom (England)
27 Apr 2016
Public Health England (PHE) has issued a News Release reporting an outbreak of measles in London.
More than 60 cases have been notified in the past two months; normally less that 10 measles cases would be expected within this time frame. Other areas of England are also reporting a higher than normal number of measles cases.
Of the 60 cases in London, 48 are over the age of 15 years and PHE is encouraging parents and young adults to consider MMR vaccination if not fully protected. MMR vaccine coverage is just over 87% in London but not quite meeting WHO's recommendation of 95% coverage required for good herd immunity.
Advice for Travellers
It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-13 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months. 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.