Analysis
Measles on the rise and scarlet fever higher than five-year average
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Another 66 confirmed cases of measles have been discovered in England in the last week, the Health Security Agency has said today.
The total number of cases since October 1 last year is now 934, with London showing “an increase in activity” according to the HSA and “smaller clusters” in the East Midlands and the North-West.
Of those 934 cases, 17 cases were reported in October, 40 in November, 153 in December, 269 in January this year, 231 in February and 224 last month.
Most cases – 501 – were discovered in the West Midlands, 198 in London and 77 in the East Midlands. The remaining cases were reported in other regions of England.
The majority of cases – 587 – were in children aged 10 and under and 275 were found in young people and adults aged 15 and over.
Meanwhile, the HSA said 12,176 cases of scarlet fever were discovered in England between January 1 and March 24 this year which was “higher than the average for the previous five years but below the high levels seen for the same period in 2023” when there were 15,933 cases.