Measles

The recent outbreak of measles in Wales and in the North East of UK, in which more than 400 cases have been recorded, is the biggest single outbreak in the UK since the controversy surrounding the MMR vaccine and prompted me to do some research on measles recently.

Globally measles is one the biggest childhood diseases with approximately over 430 deaths from measles each day. Measles, a highly infectious and contagious disease is spread through respiration (or contact with fluids from an infected person), and causes high fever, rashes and general feelings of unwell. The first symptoms include runny nose, sore eyes, a cough and possibly a fever. It can also lead to diarhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Though the virus only lasts roughly two weeks, there is a chance of complications that can lead to severe coughing and breathing difficulties, ear infections, pneumonia and eye infections.


MMR is the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, the three most common infectious diseases of childhood. It was first introduced in 1968 with millions of doses being delivered each year. The first vaccine is often given as a single injection to babies within a month of their first birthday, with the second injection, the booster, given before children start school. The first gives about 95% protection while the two doses together provide over 99% protection. One of the biggest controversies facing MMR was in 1998 when a study published in The Lancet raised the possiblity that the vaccine may be linked to autism and bowel disease. The paper and media prompted many parents to decided against having their children vaccinated however few cases were reported due to herd immunity but the study has since been discredited by further follow through studies.