HSC said there are still high rates of vaccination in Guernsey and Alderney, but the uptake has dropped from 96% to 92%, 'in recent years'. Globally there has been a drop off with the World Health Organisation reporting that there's been a 30% increase in measles cases globally - but not all directly due to vaccine hesitancy.  However, the WHO said some countries that were close to eliminating the disease have seen a resurgence. 

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications - HSC. 

The measles virus spreads quickly from person to person, especially in schools, warns HSC, so a child with measles will infect almost all unvaccinated children they have contact with.

File image of a child with the measles virus. 

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said “Although we have not seen any cases of measles locally over the last few years, the fall in the uptake of MMR vaccine is of concern. Back in the days before a vaccine was available, hundreds of thousands caught measles in England and around a hundred of these died each year. But now, our whole community benefits from the herd immunity the safe and effective MMR vaccination offers. This means that fewer people get ill and the disease’s spread is restricted. I would therefore remind all parents of the need to vaccinate their child and would also urge parents whose children have not received the vaccine to reconsider. This is particularly important in view of the current situation in the USA, England and Europe.”

Jo Rocha, Health Protection Nurse, added: “This is particularly important as we approach the Easter Holidays when Islanders may be travelling to areas where there are measles outbreaks. If you are unsure about your immunisation history, please contact your GP. Furthermore I would strongly recommend that anyone with suspected measles contact their GP.”