EPAHealth managers warn against the risks of measles after more cases were recorded in Scotland in the first five months of the year than all 2024.
As of May 28, there were 26 cases confirmed in the laboratory of highly infectious disease, which is increasing worldwide.
Two years ago, there was only one case of measles in Scotland, but last year which reached 24 cases confirmed in the laboratory.
Although the figures remain low, health experts concern that low vaccination rates in certain regions could lead to many other cases.
Measles is a very contagious disease that is propagated by cough and sneezing.
The virus can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain and death.
The World Health Organization said that children under the age of five represented more than 40% of the cases reported in Europe and Central Asia.
In March, He reported That the number of measles cases in Europe has been at its highest level for 25 years.
WHO Regional Director Henri Kluge called him “alarm clock”.
“Without high vaccination rate, there is no health security,” he said.
Helen Benson, public health consultant for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said there was an increase in cases through Scotland.
“We have already seen more this year than last year,” she said.
“In Glasgow, we have seen several cases since the start of the year and in recent weeks, we have seen a small number in the Govanhill region.
“We are potentially aware that there can be a certain transmission in the local community, so our efforts are now to minimize the number of additional cases.”
She said the Health Council concentrated its campaign on increasing ROR vaccine levels in the region.
The vaccine is generally given at two doses in Scotland: the first between 12 and 13 months and the second at three years four months.
Health experts say the vaccine – which immunizes people against measles, mumps and rubella – is 97% effective to combat the dangerous virus.
Absorption in Scotland remains high, 90% of children with two doses at the age of six.
However, which recommends that at least 95% of children are vaccinated.
Through Scotland, vaccination rates have dropped slightly in recent years, public health officials believing that vaccine fatigue or disinformation plays a role.
Govanhill, one of the most diverse regions of Scotland, is one of the many regions of Glasgow which has lower ROR vaccination rates.
Ms. Benson said: “We have a population that talks about many languages. For many English is not the first language.
“So, sometimes, it said they may have struggled to get involved with the NHS.”
She said the Health Council had launched a communication campaign in several languages and used community peers to encourage people to seize the opportunity for MMR vaccinations that they could have missed.
Ms. Benson added: “Measles can be a very serious infection.
“About one out of five is in the hospital.
“Many of these may require intensive care, and this can cause life complications, for example, hearing loss, loss of vision and brain inflammation.”
She said that some people were more sensitive to the complications of measles than others, including small babies less than one, pregnant women and people with immunosuppression.
“It is important to get the vaccine not only for yourself but for the people around you,” she said.
Yvonne McAuley is one of the personnel nurses who run the vaccination team who has set up a pop-up vaccine clinic in Govanhill.
She said it could be difficult to bring customers to make an appointment due to obstacles such as language, fear or disinformation.
“We are very passionate about our work because we know what the result could be if the children are not immune,” she added.
Ms. McAuley said that the team was doing everything it could to increase the figures, to provide interpreters and clinics without giving people who apprehend more time for their appointment.
Maryan Chaudhry and her husband Arfan Ali spoke to BBC Scotland News while bringing their one -year -old baby, Liya, for her Jab MMR to the clinic.
“If it can benefit my child and well-being, I will do it,” said Maryan.
“It is to protect it.”
