Measles: Child dies at Alder Hey after contracting virus

Measles: Child dies at Alder Hey after contracting virus

At Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, a tragic incident occurred as a child passed away after contracting measles, which has been on the rise among young individuals in the area according to the hospital. The institution noted a surge in the admission of “seriously unwell” children due to the highly contagious virus. While Alder Hey did not provide specific details about the case to maintain patient confidentiality, the BBC confirmed the child’s death.

The child, who was being treated for measles and other health issues, was one of seventeen children who received treatment at Alder Hey for the disease since June. This unfortunate event marks the second time a child in England has died from contracting measles in the past five years. Renae Archer from Salford, Greater Manchester, also lost her life at the age of 10 in 2023 due to complications from measles she had as a baby. Her mother, Rebecca, has been vocal about advocating for children to be vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of immunization.

According to a spokesperson from Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, there is a rising concern about the growing number of children and young individuals contracting measles. The spokesperson highlighted the severity of measles as a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications and, in rare cases, fatalities. The hospital urged parents about the decline in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake, attributing it to the spike in cases in the region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) aims for 95% of children to be fully vaccinated by their fifth birthday. However, data shows that vaccination rates in the north-west of England, Liverpool, and Manchester fall below the desired percentage, leading to increased instances of measles infections. Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist, emphasized the rapid spread of measles among the unvaccinated population and its potential severe consequences, including complications and even death. Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and debunk myths surrounding the MMR vaccine continue in light of the recent events

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More