Children at risk as measles cases rise

UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia says the increase in measles cases is a clear sign of a breakdown in immunisation coverage

Measles outbreaks are surging across Europe with cases expected to exceed the total number reported last year. UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) say a rapid response is critical, with increased efforts to prevent transmission.

In the first quarter of 2024, 56,634 measles cases and four deaths were officially reported across 45 of 53 countries in the WHO European Region. In 2023, 61,070 cases and 13 deaths in 41 countries were reported; over half were hospitalised.

Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe said, “Even one case of measles should be an urgent call to action. No one should suffer the consequences of this devastating but easily preventable disease.”

In 2024, 1,927 laboratory confirmed cases have been reported in England, with 200 new cases in the four weeks to 10^th June . In 2023, 362 cases were confirmed, concentrated in London and the West Midlands although all regions detected at least one case. 62% of cases were in children aged under 10, and 19% of cases were in those aged 15 to 34 years.

“Measles is a highly contagious – but preventable – infectious disease that is often characterised by general fluey symptoms followed by a red blotchy rash,” explained Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Assistant Professor in Medical Anthropology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Nearly half of reported cases in 2023 were in children aged under five years, those who missed routine vaccinations during the pandemic. Over three quarters had not received any measles vaccination doses, and around 99% of these did not receive two doses.

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said: “Children who get measles can be very poorly and some will suffer life changing complications. The best way for parents to protect their children from measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give lifelong protection and it’s never too late to catch up.”

“The resurgence of measles in the UK is deeply troubling, especially for paediatricians and the wider child health workforce.”

Dr Helen Stewart, Officer for Health Improvement, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said, “The resurgence of measles in the UK is deeply troubling, especially for paediatricians and the wider child health workforce. The good news for parents and carers is that the MMR vaccine is highly effective with a very good safety record. Two doses are needed for best protection.”

Kasstan-Dabush added, “The immediate priority is ensuring all children have been offered the chance to catch up on their routine vaccination schedule through their primary care or schools, or via tailored delivery pathways in underserved communities or areas.”

Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia said an increase in measles cases is a clear sign of a breakdown in immunisation coverage: “As cases of measles continue to surge, we need urgent government action to both strengthen health systems and implement effective public health measures to secure protection for all children from this dangerous but preventable disease.”

Kluge agreed, urging all countries to take immediate action: those without measles cases should proactively prepare for importation to prevent the virus from spreading whilst countries experiencing outbreaks should continue efforts to vaccinate susceptible individuals so affected communities are protected and future outbreaks can be prevented.