http://www.observer.co.uk/focus/story/0,6903,647862,00.html

 

MMR - your questions answered

Anthony Browne
Sunday February 10, 2002
The Observer

What is measles?

It is a potentially fatal disease caused by infection with the measles virus. It is most common in children aged 1 to 4, but you can catch it at any age. It is highly infectious, with 90 per cent of those who have not been immunised catching it if they live in the same house as someone with measles.

What are the symptoms?

Around 10 days after infection, a blotchy rash appears, with other symptoms including fever, irritability, runny nose, red eyes, vomiting and coughing. Complications include breathing difficulties, ear infections and brain damage. The most serious complication is a slowly progressive brain infection that starts with intellectual impairment, seizures and eventually death. Measles kills one in 100,000 people who get it.

How common is measles?

One million children die from the disease worldwide each year. In the UK, before immunisation there were around 300,000 suspected cases and up to 20 deaths each year. Since the MMR vaccination was introduced in 1988, the confirmed cases have fallen to around 100 each year.

Which countries use the MMR jab?

MMR is used in all developed countries, except Japan, which uses single jabs. The World Health Organisation says vaccination coverage for measles needs to be 95 per cent to ensure no outbreaks. In the UK coverage has fallen to 85 per cent.

The MMR debate
10.02.2002: Autism screening for all children to end MMR fears
10.02.2002: Focus: An issue of trust
10.02.2002: MMR: Your questions answered
10.02.2002: Jon Henley: 'This is just not an issue in France...'
10.02.2002: "I'm simply bemused": Observer writers on their MMR decisions
10.02.2002: Andrew Rawnsley: My MMR dilemma - who can we believe?
10.02.2002: Nick Hornby: Why parents are angry about autism
10.02.2002: Leader: Dogma on MMR does not work

Live online: MMR debate, Monday 11 February
The MMR debate: put questions to doctors from both sides
MMR talkboard: have your say here

Useful links
23.12.2001: To jab or not to jab? MMR explained
Downing Street: MMR advice
Department of Health: MMR advice
MMR evidence from Public Health Laboratory Service
How safe is MMR? BMJ debate
JABS: Support group for vaccine damaged children
Guardian Unlimited Weblog:More on MMR

Special reports
Special report: medicine and health
SocietyGuardian.co.uk: Public health special

From the archive: Blair MMR row, round one
23.12.2001: Focus: No 10's fear of needles
23.12.2001: Blair: we have never discussed our children's health
23.12.2001: Mary Riddell: Come clean, Mr Blair
23.12.2001: Rod Liddle: Privacy, or hiding

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.