Measles cases in 2006 highest on record

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported 480 confirmed cases of measles in the UK so far this year. Meaning there is a provisional total of 756 cases during the whole of 2006.

The number of cases in 2006 was the highest number ever recorded since the current method of monitoring began in 1995 and this year looks set to follow that trend. Up until the June 10, 2007 only 136 cases of measles had been confirmed. With the total now at 480, the number of cases is increasing at a higher rate than usual for this time of year.

“Over the summer holidays we have seen more cases of measles being reported than we would normally expect.

Dr Mary Ramsay, a consultant epidemiologist with the Health Protection Agency

Dr Mary Ramsay, a consultant epidemiologist with the HPA, said: “Over the summer holidays we have seen more cases of measles being reported than we would normally expect. This means it is crucial that children are fully immunised with two doses of MMR before they return to school. Measles is a highly infectious and dangerous illness, and as there is increased close contact in schools, it can spread easily.”