Two red 'danger to life' weather warnings remain in place near the River Mersey in south Manchester today, with hundreds of flood warnings still in effect across the UK.
03.02.2022 - 18:07 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
More than one in 10 children in England are starting school at risk of catching measles as vaccine rates have dropped to their lowest level in a decade.
Experts are urging parents to make sure their kids have been fully immunised with two doses of MMR and Salford health bosses issued their own warning this week.
Coverage for the two doses of MMR that helps protect five-year-olds against measles, mumps and rubella is currently at 85.5% - the lowest for a decade, and well below the 95% target recommended to stop a resurgence of measles.
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In 2017 the World Health Organization declared that the UK had eliminated measles, meaning that although some cases could still occur, the disease was not widely circulating and spreading.
But the UK lost its elimination status after cases ticked up again in 2018, with 991 confirmed ones in England and Wales, compared with 284 in 2017.
Measles remains more common in some other countries, meaning it can return to the UK and spread in people who are unvaccinated, if given the chance.
There were already fears over a rise in cases before the arrival of Covid and since the pandemic began, there has been a concerning drop in the number of children receiving the vaccines on time.
Experts say some parents may not have wanted to burden the NHS, or didn't realise doctors were still offering appointments.
As well as a distinctive rash, measles can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, and sometimes can be fatal.
Dr Tom Tasker, chair of Salford CCG, said: “We’ve seen a big drop in the numbers coming forward for MMR vaccines during the pandemic. Children with measles can
Two red 'danger to life' weather warnings remain in place near the River Mersey in south Manchester today, with hundreds of flood warnings still in effect across the UK.
A popular type of fish may be increasing your risk of high blood pressure, according to experts.
Storm Franklin has been confirmed by the Met Office as strong winds and rain are expected to hit Greater Manchester.
IDLES have been forced to cancel their show at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena tomorrow (February 18) due to adverse weather conditions.The band confirmed the news today (February 17), saying that safety is their “number one priority”. On Friday, areas of Wales including Cardiff are expected to face winds of up to 100mph.
Motorists across the UK have been issued a warning as two storms approach the UK, bringing dangerous winds and blizzards.
Brexit, is likely to impact this summer’s events season.The warning comes from the Association of Independent Festivals, ahead of the AIF Festival Congress 2022 taking place in Bristol today (February 15).AIF CEO Paul Reed made the comments during his opening remarks to indie festival promoters, arguing that while there is widespread optimism about the full return of the festival season, there will be trouble and challenges ahead for the live music industry as a whole.Reed said that while the UK “may be emerging from the shadow of the pandemic, this year will not be a case of ‘back to business as usual’ without critical support for festival organisers”.“We are facing a perfect storm in many ways,” he said. “I’ve spoken with many [festival organisers] in the last few weeks about supply chains, loss of skilled workforce, 20-30 per cent increase in costs across the board and a government-backed insurance scheme that isn’t simply isn’t fit for purpose despite our best efforts.”The AIF echoed fears that the government’s £750million Live Events Reinsurance scheme “simply isn’t fit for purpose”, with many festival organisers not taking it out due to “limited scope and excessive cost, so isn’t enabling organisers to plan with confidence”.Reed and the AIF are calling on the government for further support, with suggested measures including continued VAT relief on tickets beyond the end of March, a backed loan scheme for suppliers and to remove tax incentives to use certain biofuels to allow for use of greener fuels at festivals.Among the other main issues, Reed noted that suppliers lacked cash reserves to invest into inventory in a year when there will be near “unprecedented demand and event activity”.
A public health expert has warned it would “probably be very unwise” for Scotland to follow England in lifting the self-isolation requirement if they test positive for covid.
Ricky Hatton has warned Tyson Fury he must avoid being dragged into a 'war' with Dillian Whyte, urging him to take a different approach than he did for the trilogy bout with Deontay Wilder.
The ‘worst is still to come’, the boss of Tesco has warned shoppers today amid the growing cost of living crisis across the UK.
Scotland’s Energy Secretary has warned of a “real risk” people could die in the months ahead with the country facing its highest hike in fuel bills yet.