The Story
Why measles cases are surging
Jan 24, 2024
Health chiefs have declared a national incident following a surge in measles cases. The tragic story of Rold Dahl's daughter highlights the importance of vaccinations. Andrew Wakefield's controversial anti-vaxx career and film is discussed. Addressing anti-vaccine sentiments and cultural concerns, as well as exploring the surge in measles cases, are also covered in the episode.
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Quick takeaways
- Measles outbreaks in the UK are primarily occurring among low-vaccination-rate Muslim populations in the West Midlands, highlighting the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy in specific communities.
- The fraudulent research linking the MMR vaccine to autism by Andrew Wakefield in 1998 caused a decline in vaccine coverage, with the Wakefield cohort remaining unvaccinated and contributing to pockets of lower vaccination rates.
Deep dives
Measles: An Infectious and Serious Disease
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly. With an R number of 15, it is one of the most infectious respiratory viruses known. Symptoms begin as a cold, with fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash that spreads all over the body. While most people recover, about 20% of children require hospital visits, and 1 in 3,000 to 5,000 may die. Measles vaccination has been crucial in controlling the disease, with Rold Dahl's daughter's death from encephalitis serving as a catalyst for promoting vaccination. Measles was eliminated in the UK in 2017, but recent outbreaks in the West Midlands, primarily among low-vaccination-rate Muslim populations, are concerning health authorities.
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