Warning issued about rise of measles cases at Sussex

Public Health England has told Sussex students to get the measles vaccination if they’ve not had it already after the number of measles cases at universities increased.

A number of southern universities have had students admitted to hospital after showing symptoms of measles which include, rashes, high temperature, inflamed eyes, and dry coughs. Students who think they may have signs of these symptoms are encouraged to meet with their GP. They are encouraged to plan meetings on the phone at the risk of infecting other people at the clinic.

Sussex is not the only place seeing a rise of measles cases. London has experienced over 60 cases of measles in the last two months in a period when there would usually be fewer than 10. This relatively low number is thanks to the high uptake of MMR vaccinations however those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to do so. Measles is known to be much more severe to adults than infants.

The MMR vaccination program has a very high uptake with counties across the UK ranging anywhere from 80 per cent up to 95 per cent of those immunised. The government has urged those who have not received their MMR to go to their GP and arrange a vaccine.

Measles is very unpleasant and would be terrible to get during exam periods. If you are worried about MMR, more information can be found here.