INFECTION CONTROL HEALTH ALERT
Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director of Medical Information and Analysis at International SOS, explains why rising cases of measles, polio and meningitis highlight the growing importance of infectious disease preparedness in everyday life and the workplace.
Recent public health developments in the UK, including rising measles cases, the detection of poliovirus in London wastewater, and a meningitis outbreak in Kent, are a reminder that infectious disease is not an overseas or abstract risk. These are not new pathogens, or unexpected ones. Instead, they show how familiar diseases can re-emerge when population immunity dips, and people live, work, and socialise in close contact.
While these are distinct and individual diseases, considered together, they demonstrate that infectious disease risk has become persistent, local, and represent an increasing risk.
Measles is perhaps the clearest example. In January 2026, the UK lost its measles elimination status. Cases have been increasing since 2022, and peaked in 2024, with the highest concentration in the West Midlands and London. The uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has declined, with coverage in some communities dropping as low as 69.9%, far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. While most cases have occurred among children, adults are also at risk.
For individuals, the message is straightforward: knowing your vaccination status, and that of your family, matters. Measles can be serious, especially for young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Seeking medical advice early, when symptoms appear, and avoiding close contact with others when unwell, helps limit spread and protects the wider community.
For organisations, measles can quickly spread through workplaces. Even a small number of cases can lead to staff absences, operational disruption and anxiety among teams. Clear communication, supportive absence policies and encouraging access to healthcare can help maintain continuity while reinforcing trust.
The detection of poliovirus in London wastewater has understandably also raised concerns. Even though no
local transmission has been identified, awareness remains important. Polio immunisation coverage in the UK has fallen from around 95% in previous years to approximately 92% in 2022–23.
For individuals, reassurance grounded in facts is important. Polio vaccination remains highly effective, but checking immunisation records and responding to public health advice helps close gaps, particularly in communities where coverage has slipped.
For employers, the lesson is about proportionate communication. Headline-driven fear can spread faster than infection. Providing accurate context about what wastewater detection means, and what it does not, helps prevent misinformation from filling gaps.
The meningitis outbreak in Kent illustrates a different form of risk. While geographically limited, invasive meningococcal disease can progress rapidly and have severe consequences. The outbreak shows how quickly serious illness can emerge in close-contact settings where people live and socialise together.
For individuals, recognising symptoms and acting fast remains critical. Meningitis does not always present clearly, and early medical assessment can be lifesaving.
For organisations employing younger adults, students or apprentices, awareness and rapid response pathways are essential. Encouraging staff to take symptoms seriously and ensuring they feel supported to seek care can significantly reduce harm.
Across measles, polio and meningitis, the common theme is preparedness rather than panic. Health resilience is not built only during pandemics; it is maintained through everyday decisions by individuals and organisations alike.
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