A disease reminiscent of the Victorian era has resurfaced in a prominent UK city for the second time within a couple of months. This resurgence follows a significant outbreak two years ago, which affected more than 400 individuals in the same locale.

Recent statistics reveal that Birmingham is experiencing 54 new cases of measles—a disease historically linked to the Victorian period when overcrowded living conditions facilitated its spread. This highly infectious illness primarily affects unvaccinated children under five. It poses a serious threat to infants under one year of age, expectant mothers, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Health officials emphasize that the most effective defense against measles is the MMRV vaccine.

According to The Sunday Times, Enfield in north London has also reported 89 measles cases this year. The virus thrives in densely populated regions, especially where many children remain unvaccinated.

Birmingham ranks among the UK’s cities with the lowest vaccination uptake for measles, trailing only behind London. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 95% vaccination rate among children to achieve herd immunity, yet Birmingham’s rate for children under five is only 73.5%, compared to 71% in London.

In response, Birmingham officials are actively encouraging parents to vaccinate their children. The NHS has launched a campaign, displaying over 300 billboards across the city, to raise awareness about the dangers of measles.

Katie Spence from the UK Health Security Agency in the West Midlands expressed concern, noting, “In Birmingham, we’ve observed a persistent, low-level occurrence of measles cases during the year’s first quarter.” She stressed the importance of conveying the potential severity that measles can pose.

Birmingham City Council is urging people to “take action” to prevent the spread of measles. They say the MMRV immunisation, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, is the best form of defence.

The council said: “Measles cases are spreading in Birmingham, with unimmunised children under 5 most affected. Take action now to protect yourself and others.”

They added: Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can be very serious, especially in children under one, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system.

“There have been recent measles cases in the region. The best protection against measles is two doses of the MMRV immunisation.”

The symptoms of measles include:

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• red, sore watery eyes
• high temperature (fever) which may reach around 40^OC / 104^OF
• a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones

The NHS states: “Measles usually starts to get better in about a week. After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.”

• rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration
• give your child paracetamol for children or ibuprofen for children if they’re distressed or uncomfortable – check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you’re not sure
• adults can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature
• use cotton wool soaked in water that has been boiled and allowed to cool to gently remove any crusts from your or your child’s eyes

The NHS adds: “Stay off nursery, school or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears. Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.”