A contagious disease that was once thought to be under control is making a comeback, but a new map has revealed that Devon is currently safe from the outbreak. The disease, measles, has been making headlines as it spreads across England, but a closer look at vaccination rates in Devon shows that the region has so far been spared. However, this doesn't mean that the threat is non-existent. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that the UK has lost its measles elimination status, and the disease is now circulating again. The key to understanding why Devon is safe lies in its vaccination rates. As of last summer, 91.8% of five-year-olds in England had received one dose of the MMR jab (measles, mumps, and rubella), and 83.7% were protected by both doses of the vaccine. In Devon, the numbers are even higher, with 91.2% of five-year-olds having received both doses. This is significantly higher than the national average, and it's likely that this high vaccination rate is the reason why Devon has so far escaped the outbreak. However, it's important to note that measles is still a serious threat, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to catch up on missed vaccinations after fresh outbreaks in London and the West Midlands this year. The MMR jab has been replaced by the MMRV vaccine, which offers the same protection as MMR but also covers chickenpox. Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasizes the importance of vaccination, saying that two doses of the MMRV vaccine are highly effective in preventing measles and its long-term complications. So, while Devon may be safe for now, it's crucial to maintain high vaccination rates to protect the region from potential outbreaks in the future. And for families traveling overseas, especially during the Easter holidays, it's a timely reminder to ensure that all family members, especially children, are vaccinated against measles, which is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK.
