Britain’s measles outbreak has largely faded away – but cases of infection from overseas continue to pose a threat, public health officials have warned.
At the beginning of 2013, some 673 cases were reported in three months – but the latest figures show just 70 cases in the first three months of this year.
Some 27 of these were infected overseas – with 16 probably infected in the Philippines.
Last year’s outbreak of measles was linked to the decline in use of the MMR vaccine at the beginning of the century following a false scare.
The latest figures show that a mumps outbreak has not faded as fast as the measles outbreak – with 847 cases reported in three months this year.
Dr Mary Ramsey, of Public Health England, said: "Measles is a potentially fatal, but preventable illness. Although the number of cases in England remains low compared to 2012 and early 2013, the three deaths recently reported in Europe is a stark reminder of the importance of completing vaccination.
"With measles circulating widely across many parts of the world it is very important that before going overseas on summer holidays people are aware of their own and their family’s vaccination status and ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine."
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