Public Health England has issued a statement reminding all teenagers to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations after a significant number of new measles cases reported across England since June have been linked to music festivals.
There have been 234 cases between January and June this year, compared to only 54 in the first half of last year.
38 of these were linked to attendance at a festival with 16 at Glastonbury, 7 at NASS, 6 at Triplicity and 3 at Tewkesbury amongst others.
People attending music festivals are being advised to check with their GP to make sure they are up to date with their jabs, that they have had both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab, and to make an appointment if not.
This is particularly important as many young people will be going to university shortly.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation, said,
“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. So, if you think you might have measles, please don’t go to any of these big events. Measles isn’t common these days because most of us are vaccinated, but young people who missed their MMR jab as children are vulnerable, especially if gathered in large numbers at an event. If you think you’ve got it, call your GP or NHS 111. Please don’t turn up at the surgery or at A&E as you could infect other patients.”
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