HPR volume 13 issue 22: news (28 June and 1 July)
Updated 20 December 2019
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Holidaymakers urged to check that their MMR vaccinations are up-to-date
PHE and the UK travel industry have reminded holidaymakers that their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations should be up-to-date before they travel abroad because of the continuing risk of contracting measles on continental Europe. The disease is still endemic in many countries around the world, including Europe, and France, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Germany are among the countries reporting the highest case counts according to the latest monthly data from the European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. In the UK, confirmed measles cases have been rising since 2018, with many domestic cases linked to importations from the continent; there were 231 cases confirmed in England in the first quarter of 2019, according to PHE data published at the end of May. Young people and adults aged 15 and over who missed out on the MMR vaccine when they were young, and some under-vaccinated communities, have been particularly affected. Detailed travel advice is available on the TravelHealthPro website.
Listeriosis outbreak update
As part of the multi-agency response to recent cases of listeriosis linked to pre-packed sandwiches and salads, PHE is testing all listeria isolates recently sent to National Infection Service laboratories to check if they are linked to this most recent outbreak. To date, PHE has analysed 29 samples from listeriosis cases within the time frame the incident is thought to have occurred. Nine confirmed cases are confirmed linked to the outbreak; the remaining 20 cases are not linked to the outbreak. In line with standard practice in routine surveillance, separate investigations are being undertaken for these cases and PHE will continue to analyse all isolates received. The multi-agency team has communicated with all affected local authorities, reiterating guidance for health and social care organisations on reducing the risk of vulnerable groups contracting listeriosis, pregnant women in particular. This is in addition to the clinical advice that was communicated to the NHS following the withdrawal of affected products.
RSPH report on infection control during “special procedures”
The Royal Society of Public Health has published a detailed report, titled Skins and Needles, that reviews the infection hazard associated with tattoos, cosmetic piercings, electrolysis and acupuncture – generically referred to as “special procedures”. Systems of control of the potential risks vary across the UK and, among other recommendations, the RSPH calls for all UK health systems to review current arrangements.
Infection and vaccine coverage reports in this issue of HPR
Infection reports
- Laboratory confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal infection (England): January to March 2019
- Laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis (England): January to March 2019