Rising Measles Cases in London Concerns Health Authorities
A London hospital has expressed significant concern over the rising number of measles cases, prompting a call for parents to vaccinate their children. St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington reports a troubling increase in young measles patients visiting its A&E department, highlighting the risk of severe health complications and fatalities among affected children. Dr Elizabeth Whittaker, a paediatric infectious diseases consultant at the hospital, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that London accounts for 38% of newly confirmed measles cases in England, with the West Midlands following at 19%. Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and meningitis if untreated.
The UKHSA is pushing for increased vaccination, noting that many children remain unprotected due to missed doses.
Cryptosporidium Outbreak in Brixham, Devon
Brixham, a town in Devon, is grappling with an outbreak of cryptosporidium, a parasitic infection causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms among residents. Health authorities have identified 22 cases so far, leading South West Water to advise residents in certain areas to boil their drinking water. Despite this precaution, the delayed advice has left many residents suffering from diarrhea and stomach cramps, with local shops running out of bottled water due to panic buying.
Public health efforts are underway to control the outbreak, believed to be linked to a reservoir serving the area. The UKHSA is working with South West Water to investigate and mitigate the contamination.
Cryptosporidium is typically spread through infected water, and symptoms can last for up to two weeks. Those affected are advised to drink plenty of fluids and avoid close contact with others until symptom-free for at least two days.