Measles Outbreak Warning: NHS at Risk of 'A Lot of Deaths' This Winter, Say Doctors

A major measles outbreak is looming in Britain this winter which would lead to 'a lot of deaths', senior doctors warn. Falling vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of the once-rare disease, which officials fear could be disastrous for the NHS. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has issued new guidelines urging health professionals to pay close attention to respiratory infections in children and to promptly isolate any displaying symptoms of measles. The college also emphasizes the importance of promoting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to those who have not received both doses. \n\n The recent measles outbreaks across the UK and Europe, including in cities like Sheffield, Leicester, Cardiff, and London, have raised concerns. The World Health Organisation has warned of a 'perfect storm' for a large-scale outbreak of measles, which is considered one of the most infectious diseases in existence. The virus can be spread through coughing, breathing, or sneezing and can linger in the air for up to two hours. To effectively stop the spread, vaccination uptake must reach 95 per cent. However, due to falling inoculation rates and historic vaccine hesitancy, only 85 per cent of five-year-olds in England have received the recommended two doses, according to the latest data. \n\n The current low vaccine uptake is also leading to measles cases among teenagers and adults, further fueling concerns. The UK Health Security Agency has warned that poor vaccine uptake in London could result in an outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases. Professor Helen Bedford from University College London highlights the severity of the situation, explaining that more cases will result in a high number of severely ill children and hospitalizations. Measles is not just a mild childhood illness, as there are still deaths from the disease in the UK. \n\n Dr. Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College, expressed her worry about the potential impact of measles on an already strained NHS, which is currently dealing with winter surges in respiratory infections, flu, Covid, and Group A Strep. She warns that adding another highly contagious and dangerous disease into the mix could be disastrous, potentially overwhelming the healthcare system. As of the latest official data, there have been 149 confirmed cases in England, with more than half occurring in London. However, experts believe the true number is likely higher. In light of this concerning situation, experts are urgently calling for anyone, including adults, who has not received two MMR vaccine doses to get vaccinated.