North West is measles capital outside London

The North West has been branded the measles capital of the country, outside London.

The Health Protection Agency North West has issued a warning to parents to protect their children with the MCC vaccine, as the region, including Greater Manchester and Rochdale, has recorded the highest number of cases outside the capital in October and November 2008.

The data reveals that in the first 11 months of 2008 the North West had more confirmed measles cases than any other region outside London, with 152 cases to the capital’s 652. However, in October and November, 62 cases were recorded in the North West compared to 56 in London.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director of HPA North West, said: “Our figures were inflated by a major outbreak of measles in Central and Eastern Cheshire in October and November and earlier in the year we had outbreaks in Lancashire, Merseyside and the Manchester area. We also had sporadic cases elsewhere in the region.

“That is why it is so important for parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated with MMR at age 13 months and again before going to school. We also need to keep reminding parents that it is not too late to have older unprotected children vaccinated. Anyone up to the age of 18 is entitled to contact their family doctor and ask for the MMR vaccination and it is important that they should do so.

“Measles is highly infectious and it can spread like wildfire when it gets into unprotected communities. It can have serious side effects including fits, chest infections, meningitis, encephalitis, and in extreme cases even death."