Measles Death at Liverpool Hospital Sparks Outbreak Fears

A child has died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool after contracting measles. This is the second fatality from an acute measles infection in Britain in the current decade. The child's identity has not been released, but it is known that complications from measles contributed to their death, and it is suspected that they had other health issues. The child's vaccination status is unknown.

Public health officials are increasingly worried about the number of children being treated for measles at the hospital. They fear a potential outbreak that could spread rapidly across Merseyside. Parents of several children who are seriously ill with the virus at the hospital have expressed fear due to the quick spread. Measles is highly contagious, with infected individuals remaining contagious for up to ten days. Low vaccination rates in Liverpool mean that a significant portion of the population is vulnerable to the disease.

Professor Matt Ashton, Liverpool's director of public health, expressed serious concerns about the potential for measles to spread within the community. He emphasized the importance of understanding the seriousness of the situation. NHS Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool has issued an urgent appeal to parents due to the alarming number of children seriously ill with measles. The hospital attributes the rise in cases to a decline in MMR vaccinations, which protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Measles symptoms typically begin with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash. Initial symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, high temperature, coughing, sneezing, and sore, watery eyes. A rash usually appears a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading throughout the body. The rash may be raised and form blotchy patches.

If you suspect you or your child has measles, contact 111 or seek an urgent GP appointment. This is especially important if your child is under one year old and has been in contact with someone with measles, or if you have been in close contact with someone with measles and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Seek urgent medical advice if you or your child have a high temperature that doesn't come down, difficulty breathing, are not feeding well, are peeing less than usual, or feel very unwell. Anyone with measles should stay away from work, school, or nursery for at least four days after the rash appears and avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals. Children are vaccinated after their first birthday and again at 18 months. Anyone can request a jab if they missed out as a child.