Family Health: Measles
Measles, which had virtually disappeared in the UK and much of the developed world, is returning with a vengeance, despite the fact we’ve had a cheap and effective vaccine for it since the 1960s.
But the modern pace of migration and foreign travel has seen the disease spreading across the continent.
Health authorities are now on high alert and governments are so concerned about the return of measles that laws have been recently passed in France, Germany and Italy making it mandatory that all parents give their children the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab, or at least consult their doctor about it.
It is two decades since the British researcher Andrew Wakefi eld published a paper linking the MMR with autism, prompting a wave of hysteria across the world, and a dramatic fall in the rate of parents vaccinating their children. This paper was completely discredited and had no scientifi c basis.
Latest fi gures from NHS Digital showed vaccination fell in England last year for the third year in a row, and is still below the WHO target of 95 per cent.
The MMR is safe and effective at any age, and experts are urging anyone who missed having the vaccination to have it – especially anyone who is
St John’s Church Parish Hall
Crafts • Stories • Songs • A meal
Where the fun begins! Thursday 21st June & 12th July, 4pm for 4.30pm start. All children welcome, accompanied by an adult.
Broadstone United Reformed Church
FAMILY POP-IN • Friendly
• Informal and relaxed • Everyone welcome
A safe, caring, Christian environment to enjoy craft activities and refreshments with your children.
Saturday 16th June 10.30am-12.30pm Future pop-in: 22nd September For details, go to
www.broadstoneurc.org
32 Explore, leap, climb and party to the max at the area’s largest soft play and party centre.
planning to travel to countries suffering measles outbreaks, such as Italy. Also they should check that they have had their booster – which usually comes two years after the fi rst MMR vaccination.
In 2016 there were over 500 measles cases in England. The onset of measles is heralded by: • Sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light • A high temperature, which may reach 40C (104F) • Small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body. Measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs and brain.
A virulent outbreak in Venezuela has already killed at least 54 children. Proof, if it were needed, that vaccination is an act for the greater good.
Vaccination programmes have been a public health innovation. We should not let complacency undermine that innovation.
Dr Mark Bridgman Hadleigh Lodge Surgery
www.thehadleighpractice.nhs.uk
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