UKHSA issues alert over spike in measles cases
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called for more people to be vaccinated against measles, as fresh cases continue to be recorded across the country.
There have been 57 confirmed measles cases with symptom onset date in the four weeks since 16 December 2024. Data reporting lags have the greatest impact on the most recent four weeks and therefore reported figures are likely to underestimate activity. The South West accounted for the highest proportion of cases (46%, 26 of 57); 23% (13 of 57) of cases have been in the Yorkshire and Humber, and 14% (8 of 57) in the East Midlands.
‘Measles has been circulating across the country over the last 12 months, with 115 confirmed measles cases in the South West since 1 January 2024, the majority of which were confirmed in November and December 2024,’ said Dr Alasdair Wood, the UKHSA South West's Consultant in Health Protection. ‘This more rapid rise in cases within the region is concerning.’
Bristol has recorded the highest number of measles cases in the country over the past month, with 21 cases of the disease noted in the city since 16 December. Figures show the South West accounts for nearly half of all cases in the country, with 26 out of a total of 57. Parents are now being urged to get their children vaccinated.
‘Measles is highly infectious, and it can cause serious disease or even death in some rare cases. If you suspect that you or a family member has measles, it is important that you seek medical advice and stay away from schools, large gatherings and workplaces while infectious. People are infectious from four full days before and until four full days after the rash appears,’ added Dr Wood.
‘Those at the highest risk of severe infection include pregnant women, children under one year old and immunocompromised individuals. We all have a responsibility to help protect these groups by getting vaccinated and reducing the spread of the infection.’
Health Secretary leads tributes to Crystal Oldman
Dr Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI), has announced that she will be retiring after 12 years in her position, as leaders and peers in the health and care sector paid tribute to her achievements.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised Dr Oldman's many contributions to nursing and addressing the QNI's search for a new chief executive by stating that there will be ‘enormous shoes for someone to fill here, Crystal Oldman has been an outstanding champion for nurses and for patients.’
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England said she had been the ‘voice of community nurses and championed the vital work of our colleagues’, while Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer for Wales said her ‘unwavering advocacy for the profession and its vital role has been truly inspiring,’ Dr Oldman's passion for the community sector was also noted by Ann Taylor, director of nursing at the charity Parish Nursing UK, who said she had led ‘community nursing out of the shadows’.
Dr Oldman took the helm of the QNI in 2012 after 18 years as a community nurse, and was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2017 for her contributions to the QNI and community nursing.
Announcing her retirement, Dr Oldman described leading the QNI as ‘both an honour and a privilege’, and said she was looking forward ‘to seeing the Institute grow and develop under new leadership’ after her retirement. ‘The Chief Executive of the QNI is a champion and leader of community nursing,’ she said. ‘Leading the organisation at a time of rapid change in health and social care will be an exciting challenge. The QNI has built a reputation as a professional organisation with excellent networks of nurses at every level of expertise and in all fields of practice in the community. Working together, we improve care for the individuals, families and communities served by nurses in all community settings.’