Report of the Director of Public Health

This report providesinformation on the recent national measles incident. It describes the governance arrangements and actions that have been put in place to prevent the spread of measles in Manchester and to contain any cases as they arise to minimise the risk of an outbreak. The report also describes plans for ongoing work to increase the uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination and prepare for future increases in cases. 

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Public Health that provided information on the recent national measles incident. It described the governance arrangements and actions that have been put in place to prevent the spread of measles in Manchester and to contain any cases as they arise to minimise the risk of an outbreak.

Key points and themes in the report included:

·         An update on the current situation, noting that no data was published at a local authority level so the report was unable to include data on cases in Manchester, only at North West level;

·         Vaccination data, noting that Manchester’s coverage of the MMR vaccine was well below the national average and the target set by the World Health Organisation;

·         Information on Manchester’s response, including the Manchester Measles Outbreak Response Group chaired by the Director of Public Health;

·         An update to the approach to communications and engagement activity; and

·         Information on future plans.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were:

·         Stating that there was no link between the MMR vaccination and Autism, adding that any claims were discredited;

·         The need to communicate the seriousness of measles and reiterating the importance of the MMR vaccination for children;

·         The importance of engaging all residents on the issue of vaccination;

·         Were older people susceptible to contracting measles; and

·         Noting that there had been a reported national increase in whooping cough cases in the UK.

The Deputy Director of Public Health welcomed the comments from the Committee. She stated that communications, engagement and awareness raising on this issue was very important. She said that the lessons learned from the pandemic in regard to engaging with hard to reach communities and building trust would be utilised at a neighbourhood level by building on the Health Equity work and Sounding Boards.

The Deputy Director of Public Health stated that since the report had been produced the number of identified cases in older teenagers and people in their early twenties had increased in the North West, adding that this was a concern for Manchester due to the high number of students who reside here. She commented that the Public Health team, in conjunction with health partners and the local Universities had undertaken scenario planning for the event of an outbreak. She said that students should be encouraged to visit their GP to obtain the vaccination at the earliest opportunity. She said this situation continued to be closely monitored. 

The Deputy Director of Public Health commented that anyone could contract measles and the illness was a particular risk for pregnant women and people who were immune suppressed. She acknowledged the comment regarding whooping cough and said this national increase in cases was also linked to the decline in the take up of the childhood vaccination.

The Director of Public Health reiterated that there was no link between the MMR vaccination and Autism and that the vaccination (with the two doses administered before the age of 5) was the best way to prevent measles, adding that the spike in cases reported in London and the West Midlands could be witnessed in Manchester.

The Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care paid tribute to the diligent and constant work of the Public Health team to protect the residents of Manchester. He commented that the work described provided a snapshot, however he reassured the Committee that work on this had been underway for some time and Manchester was prepared for the event of an outbreak. He stated that he would contribute to provide all Members with briefings on this issue.

Decision

To note the report.