COPING WITH...Measles

Could you or your loved ones be at risk, asks Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

- Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause dangerous complications and even death. Thanks to the immunisation programme (now the MMR jab – measles, mumps and rubella) it had almost been eradicated in the UK, although not worldwide. But negative publicity about the MMR (since disproved), lower public awareness, and travel where measles is common, mean it’s increasing again in the UK and Europe. Immunisation rates are still well below the 95% coverage recommended to prevent spread. However, it’s never too late to catch up on MMR immunisation.