Child dies from measles at UK hospital as officials fear disease could ‘spread like wildfire’

A child has died at a UK hospital after being admitted with measles – the second death of a child in the UK following acute measles infection this decade, with experts concerned of an outbreak

A devastating measles outbreak has claimed the life of a child at a UK hospital, marking the nation’s second child fatality from the highly contagious disease this decade.

The tragic event occurred at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, though the child’s identity remains undisclosed. Details of their medical treatment are also unreleased, but it’s reported that measles played a significant role in their illness, further complicated by underlying health issues.

The child’s vaccination status is currently unknown, yet health professionals stress that the vaccine boasts a 97% success rate in preventing illness. Public health officials are on high alert, fearing the virus may take hold and “spread like wildfire,” hinting at a potential outbreak in Merseyside. The Liverpool region’s low vaccination uptake raises concerns, with approximately 288 individuals per 1,000 exposed to the risk.

As measles symptoms can persist for up to ten days, carrying a significant infection risk, Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, warned: “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community. My concern is the unprotected population and it spreading like wildfire. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important that people understand the seriousness of this.”, reports the Mirror.

NHS Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has issued an open letter to parents, following a surge in children falling ‘seriously unwell’ due to measles. The letter attributes the rise in measles cases among youngsters to a decline in MMR vaccinations, which safeguard against measles, mumps and rubella.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, progressing to a rash after a few days. Some individuals may also develop small spots inside their mouth.

Initial symptoms encompass a runny or blocked nose, high temperature, cough, sneezing, and red, sore, watery eyes. A rash usually emerges a few days later, originating on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body.

The rash spots can sometimes be raised and merge to form blotchy patches, though they’re not usually itchy. On white skin, the rash appears brown or red, but it may be less noticeable on brown or black skin, according to NHS guidance.

The guidance further states: “It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.”

What you should do if you think you have measles

You should ring 111 or request an urgent GP appointment if you suspect you or your child might have measles, if your child is under one year old and has been in contact with someone who has measles, or if you’ve been in close proximity to someone with measles and are pregnant or have a compromised immune system.

Urgent medical advice should also be sought if you or your child have a high temperature that hasn’t subsided after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen; you or your child are struggling to breathe – you may feel more breathless than usual; your baby or young child isn’t feeding well, or taking fewer feeds or fluids than normal; you or your child are urinating less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies); you or your child feel extremely unwell, or you’re concerned something is seriously wrong.

Anyone diagnosed with measles should refrain from work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close interaction with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

Children receive their vaccination after their first birthday and then again at 18 months. Anyone can request a jab if they missed out as a child.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust told the Daily Star: “To respect patient confidentiality, we can’t comment on individual cases.

“We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment, and in rare cases, death.