Measles warning after child dies at Alder Hey Hospital – what parents need to know
Parents urged to check MMR vaccine status as cases rise across Merseyside
A child has tragically died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after contracting measles, as health officials sound the alarm over rising cases and falling vaccination rates across Merseyside.
While the hospital has not confirmed specific details due to patient confidentiality, the BBC reports that the child is believed to be only the second in the UK in a decade to die from measles, a disease once nearly eradicated by vaccination.
Measles cases surge in Merseyside
Seventeen children have been treated for measles at Alder Hey since June, with the hospital warning that many were “seriously unwell.”
The rise in infections is being linked to falling uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine – especially in areas like Liverpool, where just 73% of children have received both doses by age five.
“We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles,” an Alder Hey spokesperson said. “It’s a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment, and in rare cases, death.”
Children with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, are especially vulnerable. According to the hospital, they are “more susceptible to infections, including measles.”
What parents need to know
The MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses – one around 12 months, and a second at about three years and four months.
NHS guidance states that these two doses provide lifelong protection. But uptake has dropped significantly over the last decade, with some local areas falling well below the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Alder Hey’s chief nurse Nathan Askew said misunderstanding around the vaccine remains a major issue.
“This vaccine’s been in use for well over 50 years. It’s very safe, tried and tested,” he explained.
The hospital has issued an urgent appeal to parents and carers to ensure children are fully vaccinated, highlighting that “in rare cases, catching the disease can be fatal.”
Why measles matters now
Once considered almost eradicated in the UK, measles is now resurging across Europe and the UK. A recent joint report by WHO and UNICEF confirmed that measles cases in Europe are at their highest level in 25 years.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, warned: “Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated.
"It’s a particularly nasty disease for any child and sadly for some children can be serious... and on rare occasions can tragically cause death.”
The symptoms typically begin with a runny nose, cough, and fever, followed a few days later by a blotchy red rash that spreads from the face across the body.
Why some families miss vaccinations
A recent report suggests some parents aren’t avoiding vaccinations deliberately, but instead face practical barriers – like difficulty booking GP appointments, or simply not receiving reminders about when vaccines are due.
In a joint letter from Alder Hey’s leadership and public health directors of three local councils, parents were reminded of the importance of vaccination, particularly to protect babies under one and children with serious health conditions.
“Measles is particularly dangerous for some of our most vulnerable children and young people, including those under one year of age and those already battling other serious illnesses like cancer,” the letter warned.
What should parents do now?
- Check your child’s red book or contact your GP to confirm they’ve received both MMR doses
- Book any missed vaccinations – even if your child is older than the usual age, it’s not too late
- Be alert to symptoms – if your child develops a high temperature, cold-like symptoms, and a rash, call your GP or NHS 111
Public health director Professor Matthew Ashton added: “There is no link whatsoever between the MMR vaccine and autism. This claim has been disproved several times.”
Measles can be avoided – but only if enough people are protected. For mums juggling busy family life, double-checking your child’s vaccines might feel like just another admin job. But it’s one that could save a life.
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.