Need to know
More than 60 measles cases have been reported in schools and nurseries in North East London
Need to know: Measles outbreak hits North East London schools as parents urged to vaccinate children
- Parents across North East London are being warned to watch for measles symptoms after more than 60 schoolchildren were diagnosed with the highly infectious disease.
- The UK Health Security Agency reported cases in schools and nurseries between January 1 and February 9, with some children requiring hospital treatment. The outbreak is predominantly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 years old.
- Measles symptoms typically begin with cold-like illness including high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, a cough and red, watery eyes, explains the Mirror.
- This may be followed by small white spots on the inside of cheeks and back of lips, before a distinctive red or brown rash then appears on the face and behind the ears which then spreads across the body.
- Health officials are particularly concerned about the approaching Easter holidays, warning that travel abroad could import further cases from countries experiencing outbreaks. The new MMRV vaccine is now available on the NHS for young children, whilst the traditional MMR vaccine remains recommended for older children and adults.
- Parents are urged to contact their GP immediately if they suspect measles and to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date before travelling overseas.
- READ THE FULL STORY: ‘Fast spreading’ North London measles outbreak leaves ‘1 in 5 kids hospitalised’
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas and Véronique Hawksworth, AI Content Editor
