health
February 15, 2026
'We almost lost you in the night'
It is one of the most infectious diseases around, and can cause blindness and hearing loss – and can also be fatal. Why are cases now soaring and what can be done about it?
TL;DR
- Measles cases have significantly increased in the UK since 2023, leading to the loss of WHO measles-free status.
- Declining vaccination rates, falling below the 95% herd immunity threshold, are a primary driver of the resurgence.
- Personal stories highlight the severe health consequences of measles, including hospitalization, organ damage, blindness, hearing loss, and even death.
- Factors contributing to low vaccine uptake include misinformation amplified by social media, distrust in vaccines, and compromised accessibility in certain areas.
- Experts emphasize that the risks associated with vaccination are significantly lower than the risks of contracting measles.
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