Measles cases rise across Hertfordshire as health chief urges further vaccinations

Measles – which starts with cold-like symptoms that are followed by a rash – is very easily spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can lead to serious problems that can include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.

Since the start of this year, officials say there have been measles outbreaks at a number of schools across Hertfordshire. And two children in England have died from the condition so far this year.

Now Hertfordshire’s director of public health, Sarah Perman, has written to parents and carers who have youngsters at Hertfordshire schools to highlight the risk posed by measles and to urge them to ensure their children are vaccinated.

“The number of children with measles has increased since the start of the year, with most cases in unvaccinated children aged 10 and under,” she says in the letter.

“Measles is a very infectious illness which can make children very unwell and sometimes leads to serious complications. Sadly, two children in England have died from measles in 2026.

“In Hertfordshire, we have had outbreaks of measles in some of our schools and cases of measles are increasing.”

In response to the risk, Ms Perman is asking parents and carers to check their children are up to date with their vaccinations – either by looking at their own ‘Red Book’ or the NHS app. The MMR vaccine – or more recently the MMRV vaccine – is offered by the NHS in two doses.

And if children have missed out on one or both of their MMR doses, Ms Perman is asking parents to contact their GPs or their local community and school-aged immunisation service.

In the letter, Ms Perman stresses that the MMR vaccination is “safe and free” from the NHS. And, she says, it is “highly effective” in protecting children from measles, mumps and rubella. She also highlights an alternative vaccine that is available for those who want to avoid pork products.

Meanwhile, she also suggests that any parent or carer of an ill child, with concerns that an illness may be measles, to check symptoms at www.nhs.uk or seek advice from their GP or by calling 111.

According to the NHS website, the first symptoms of measles can include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing or red, sore watery eyes.

This can be followed by a rash a few days later that usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body, and which can include small spots in the mouth.

Measles usually starts to get better in about a week, according to the NHS website, which says it is important for those with the condition to stay away from nursery school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears.

Meanwhile, officials from the Central East Integrated Care Board (CEICB) have also stepped in to alert families to the risk of measles.

And they are highlighting catch-up vaccination sessions that will be available across the region, for any family whose vaccinations are not up to date. They particularly highlight those families who may have missed vaccination during the Covid-19 epidemic.

And they suggest catching up on vaccinations before the summer holidays, when children will move around the country with their families. “We know that some families couldn’t attend routine appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic, and have not yet caught up,” said the executive director at the NHS Central East ICB, Dr Fiona Head.

“We also know that parents sometimes change their minds, particularly after tragic cases, so even if you previously chose not to have your child vaccinated, the opportunity is still there.

“With so many families preparing to travel this summer, now is the time to catch up on any missing vaccinations, to give them a chance to work before your children mix with others from across the UK and beyond.

“As well as preventing a serious illness which would spoil your summer, you can make sure your child doesn’t fall behind in the new school year from an avoidable sickness absence.”