All articles tagged with #ukhsa
The UK is experiencing an early flu season with signs of stabilization in community spread and hospital cases, particularly involving the H3N2 strain, which may lead to a more severe season. Despite concerns, the situation is not as dire as some predictions, and vaccination remains crucial, especially for vulnerable groups, to prevent severe illness.
A man with Motor Neurone Disease from Redhill was shocked to learn he no longer qualifies for a Covid vaccine under current UK guidelines, which prioritize certain vulnerable groups. The UKHSA advises clinical judgment in such cases, but some patients and MPs are concerned about the communication and criteria for vaccination eligibility, especially for those with compromised breathing and other health issues.
A person from Yorkshire has died from rabies after contact with a stray dog in Morocco, highlighting the importance of avoiding animal contact abroad and seeking prompt medical treatment after potential exposure. The UKHSA emphasizes that rabies is nearly always fatal but preventable with timely post-exposure vaccination, and advises travelers to consult health guidance before visiting rabies-endemic regions.
A recent increase in measles cases in Bristol and Gloucestershire has led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to urge the public to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. With 15 new cases reported in the last two weeks, the highly contagious virus poses a significant risk, especially to pregnant women, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. The UKHSA emphasizes the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable groups.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance on managing a new strain of norovirus, dubbed the 'Kawasaki' bug, which is responsible for 70% of norovirus infections in the UK. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with additional symptoms like high temperature and aching limbs. Infected individuals are advised to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms cease to prevent spreading the virus. UK law allows employees to take up to seven days of sick leave without proof, providing some relief for those affected.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against whooping cough as cases have spiked to a decade high in the UK. The resurgence of the infection, also known as pertussis, is attributed to a decline in vaccine uptake among children and pregnant women, as well as reduced immunity due to pandemic-related social distancing. Symptoms of whooping cough include coughing bouts, breathing difficulties, and a 'whoop' sound during coughs. Vaccination, including the 6-in-1 and 4-in-1 vaccines, is crucial for protection, with pregnant women also encouraged to get vaccinated. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a 61-fold rise in confirmed cases in January compared to the same month in 2023, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination to prevent serious illness and transmission.
The United Kingdom has declared a national health incident due to a surge in measles cases, with over 1,600 people in England and Wales contracting the disease in 2023. Officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children, as only 85% of children are fully inoculated, well below the recommended 95% coverage for the MMR vaccine. The outbreak is attributed to decreased vaccination rates, particularly in inner-city areas, and the UKHSA has reported 216 confirmed cases in the West Midlands region since last October.
The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident due to a measles outbreak in central England, warning of the potential spread to other towns and cities unless urgent action is taken to boost vaccination uptake. With a significant number of confirmed and probable cases, particularly in children under 10, the agency emphasized the very real risk of the virus spreading in communities with low vaccine uptake. The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed routine immunization efforts, necessitating immediate action to increase MMR vaccine uptake and prevent large measles outbreaks.
Health experts are warning people to be vigilant for Covid symptoms as the Pirola variant spreads across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported sporadic cases of the Pirola strain in most regions, with rates expected to rise during winter. The variant has been detected in 15 countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia. While there have been 54 confirmed cases in the UK, there have been no known deaths. Common symptoms of Covid include a runny or blocked nose, headache, fatigue, sore throat, and sneezing. However, some lesser-known symptoms may include skin rash, changes in the mouth or tongue (Covid tongue), red and sore fingers or toes, diarrhea, a hoarse voice, and itchy or red eyes. Vaccination is still effective against the Pirola variant, and individuals are advised to stay at home if experiencing symptoms.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported almost 250 cases of Salmonella infections in the UK since the beginning of 2023, with the majority of cases linked to travel to Turkey, particularly the Antalya region. Whole genome sequencing has revealed some clusters of infections, indicating a likely common source. The UKHSA has issued a warning ahead of the summer holidays as the source of the illness has not been identified. They advise travelers to practice good hygiene, thoroughly cook food, and avoid consuming potentially contaminated food or water to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people at risk of monkeypox to get vaccinated, following a rise in the number of cases. Latest figures show 10 new infections were diagnosed in London between 30 April and 25 May 2023. Half of those were unvaccinated, and in two cases, those infected had only received one dose of the vaccine that can protect against the disease. There have been 20 cases recorded overall in the UK this year, so far.