Council's vow over measles outbreak

LIVERPOOL Council will do all it can to ensure “everyone gets vaccinated” following the death of a child who contracted measles.

- By DAVID HUMPHREYS

It was confirmed last weekend an unidentified child died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, marking the second death due to an acute measles infection in Britain this decade.

Merseyside is experiencing a spike in children suffering with measles, with Alder Hey reporting at least 17 patients with the infection in the hospital in recent weeks. In Liverpool, the take-up of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is low, with only around 74% of children having both doses.

Speaking during a Liverpool Council cabinet meeting, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of the local authority, extended his sympathies to the family of the child and said the city would do its utmost to improve vaccination rates.