Preparing for measles resurgence in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has written to healthcare professionals working in primary care about preparing for measles resurgence in England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently published a measles risk assessment which concluded that although the risk of a UK-wide measles epidemic is considered low, a measles outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases could occur in London, due to sub-optimal uptake of the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in the capital. Evidence also shows that outside of London there is a high risk of cases linked to overseas travel leading to outbreaks in specific population groups. There has been a steady rise in measles cases this year.

The letter contains further information and implications for primary care services. The UKHSA website also contains measles: guidance, data and analysis. This includes a useful slide set with an update for primary care containing information on prevention, the MMR vaccine,  measles clinical presentation & complications, risk assessment of cases & contacts and key actions.