Measles outbreak hits Britain
May 27th, 2011 - 6:04 pm ICT by IANSLondon, May 27 (IANS) Britain is currently facing an outbreak of measles with over 300 cases reported this year, Sky News reported.
Data from the Health Protection Agency revealed 334 confirmed cases by the end of April. There were only 374 cases during 2010.
London has been the worst affected area with 104 cases.
Health officials have urged everyone to ensure they are immunised against the potentially deadly infection.
Small outbreaks have been reported from universities and schools, while some reportedly caught the disease after travelling abroad.
Europe is also facing a surge in measles cases. In mid-April, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of over 6,500 cases in 33 European countries, with France being worst hit with 5,000 cases.
In Britain, people under 25 have been the most affected this year.
Mary Ramsay, head of the Health Protection Agency’s immunisation department, said: “We cannot stress enough that measles is serious and, in some cases, it can be fatal. Measles is a highly infectious and potentially dangerous illness which spreads very easily. Whether you stay here in Britain or travel abroad, it is crucial that individuals who may be at risk are fully immunised.”
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