City named as measles hotspot but cases falling

Leicester has had the fourth highest number of confirmed measles cases in England this year, new figures have revealed.

However health bosses say case numbers have been falling in the city.

The findings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that between 1 January and 18 November Leicester had 123 cases.

The agency says while cases were on a "downward trajectory", the nation continues to be affected by "small, localised outbreaks".

In the data - organised by council area - Birmingham saw the highest number of confirmed cases with 363, followed by Lambeth with 176 and Wandsworth with 150.

Elsewhere, across Leicestershire, there were 14 confirmed cases, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and breathing on others, particularly when early symptoms appear.

Symptoms include a high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing and a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Dr Kakoli Choudhury, consultant in health protection at East Midlands UKHSA, said: "While measles cases have been falling in Leicester recently, it is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the East Midlands region.

"It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge."

Across England, there have been 2,707 confirmed cases in 2024, with the majority affecting children.

That includes the death of one young person, who was known to have other medical conditions. Three in five cases (61%) have been in children aged 10 and younger.

Figures from UKHSA show it is the biggest measles outbreak in England since available records began in 1996.

Cases peaked in May when 396 infections were confirmed, including the highest weekly total of 107.

However, cases have been falling since summer. There were 339 cases in July, 172 in August, 101 in September, and 69 in October.

In the latest four-week period up to 18 November, there were 67 confirmed measles cases.

Dr Choudhury added: "Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. If unvaccinated, children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications.

"Parents should check their child's vaccinations Red Book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines. If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs."

Last year, 362 measles infections were confirmed by lab tests in England and 53 in 2022.

First signs of measles can look like a cold. They include:

• High temperature
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes

A few days later you might see:

• Spots in the mouth
• Rash on the face and behind the ears that spreads to the body, which looks red or brown on white skin but may be more tricky to see on brown and black skin

Anyone with symptoms is advised to stay home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.

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