Vaccination Urged After Baby’s ‘Terrifying’ Measles Case in North East England
A mother has shared her “terrifying” experience after her seven-month-old baby, Saskia, was hospitalized with measles, highlighting the urgent need for MMR vaccinations across England.
Measles Vaccination Rates Falling Short
According to the latest figures, no area in the North East or Cumbria has reached the 95% vaccination rate needed for herd immunity. Middlesbrough recorded the lowest uptake at 82.5%, though it has risen from the previous year’s 77.9%. Cumbria had the highest coverage at 94.3%, slightly down from 94.8%.
Health experts warn that declining vaccination rates could lead to a surge in outbreaks. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) requires two doses for full protection.
Baby Saskia’s Fight Against Measles
Scarlett Jones, a 29-year-old mother from Bishop Middleham, County Durham, recalled the frightening moment her daughter Saskia became unresponsive, with a temperature of 39.4C, swollen eyes, and breathing difficulties.
Initially suspected to have sepsis or meningitis, doctors later confirmed it was measles after spotting the distinctive rash and white spots in her mouth.
“It was terrifying — the doctors had never even seen a measles case before,” Mrs. Jones said.
Thankfully, Saskia, now one year old, has made a full recovery.
Why Measles Remains Dangerous
Dr. Catherine Monaghan, medical director of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, warned:
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Measles is “one of the most infectious diseases in the world.”
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Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, deafness, and even death.
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Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 95–98% effective in preventing infection.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Missed Appointments
Experts say vaccine uptake has been affected by:
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Misinformation linking MMR to autism (disproven and discredited).
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Missed routine appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Parents underestimating the seriousness of measles.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to stop outbreaks. Currently, only 91.9% of five-year-olds in England have received one dose — the lowest level since 2010–11.
A Call to Parents
As schools reopen, doctors are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated with both MMR doses. Older children and adults who missed earlier vaccinations can still receive the jab.
“This is something that can be catastrophic and potentially fatal,” Dr. Monaghan said, calling vaccination the best way to protect children and communities.
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