New data released shows that Salford had 35 cases reported
Salford has seen an increase in measles cases (stock image)(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Salford has the highest per-capita rate of measles infections outside of London, new figures have revealed.
The data was published on the government website and has seen Salford climb from 27 cases between January 1 and June 30 up to 35 cases up to July 28.
This alarming development has seen Salford overtake Leeds in terms of the overall number of cases.
In terms of hard numbers, Salford has the highest number of cases in the North at 35 cases, while Leeds has 29, and Birmingham 26.
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Bristol has the second highest number of cases with 47, while the London borough of Hackney has 79 cases.
However, taking into account the difference in population between Salford and Bristol, Salford has a higher number of cases per capita.
With a population of 483,000, Bristol comes in at one case for every 10,276 people.
Measles can be vaccinated against(Image: PA)
Salford’s population of around 269,900 however, gives it a higher rate of one case for every 7,711 people.
With a population of just over 259,100, Hackney has one case for every 3,280 people, meaning that Salford has the highest per capita rate outside of London.
The rise in cases comes after a child ill with measles died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Merseyside.
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It is not known whether the child had been vaccinated, and it is understood that they had also been suffering with other conditions.
Nonetheless, the vaccine provides a 97 percent protection against becoming ill, crucially important with a highly infectious disease like measles which can see a patient remain infectious for up to ten days.
Director of public health for Liverpool Professor Matt Ashton said: “I’m extremely worried that the potential is there for measles to really grab hold in our community.
“My concern is the unprotected population and it spreading like wildfire. That’s why we’re trying to be proactive. It’s really important that people understand the seriousness of this.”
An NHS Greater Manchester spokesperson said previously: “We have recently seen a rise in measles cases in Salford and we’re urging parents to check that their children are fully protected. Measles spreads very easily and can lead to serious illness, especially in young children.
“The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and free on the NHS. Children need two doses – the first one is usually given at around 12 months and a second at around three years and four months.
“If your child has missed a dose, it’s never too late to catch up.
“Parents and carers should check their child’s Red Book or the NHS app to see if they’ve had both doses, if not, contact your GP. Vaccination not only protects your child but helps prevent outbreaks and keeps the whole community safe.
“We urge all parents in Salford and all areas of Greater Manchester to act now. High vaccine uptake doesn’t just protect your child, it protects our whole community, including the very young, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.”