Clusters of measles cases are now being reported in various regions of England, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands. In the past month, there have been 166 cases, with 56 of those occurring in the last week. Measles is highly contagious and will continue to spread unless more people are vaccinated. Symptoms of measles include a rash and fever. The West Midlands has seen the highest number of cases, particularly in Birmingham. However, case numbers in that region are now stabilizing. Other regions with reported cases include London, the North West, Yorkshire, and The Humber, and the East Midlands.

Most of the infections have been observed in children and young people. Measles can be prevented through vaccination using the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab. Dr. Vanessa Saliba from the UK Health Security Agency has expressed concern about the low MMR vaccine uptake in some areas of the country, which has contributed to the current clusters of cases. While some parents are getting their children vaccinated, there are still hundreds of thousands of children who remain unprotected and at risk of serious complications or lifelong disability. Dr. Saliba strongly urges parents to take up the offer of the MMR vaccine to ensure their child’s protection.

Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through coughs and sneezes. Common symptoms include high fever, sore and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth. A red or brown rash typically appears a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see the rash on darker skin. Measles can affect individuals of any age who have not been vaccinated. After receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine, 99% of people are protected against measles and rubella, and 88% are protected against mumps. The first dose is usually given at 12 months old, while the second dose is administered at around three years and four months.

The number of young primary school children who have received both doses of the MMR vaccine in England is below the World Health Organization’s target of 95%. Approximately 85% of children in England by the age of five had received two MMR doses in 2022-23, the lowest level since 2010-11. This means that millions of children under the age of 16 have not received both doses and are potentially at risk. While measles typically clears up within seven to 10 days, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. In some cases, it can be fatal.

Original news source: England now seeing clusters of measles cases (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article individually or in pairs. Then, ask them to write a summary of the article in their own words, focusing on the main points and key information. Afterward, have students share their summaries with the class and discuss any variations or differences in their responses.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific region mentioned in the article (e.g. London, the West Midlands, etc.). Have each group discuss and debate the reasons behind the low MMR vaccine uptake in their assigned region. Afterward, conduct an opinion poll within each group to determine the group’s overall stance on the issue. Each group should present their findings and opinions to the class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Assign one student in each pair to represent a parent who is hesitant about vaccinating their child, and the other student to represent a healthcare professional advocating for vaccination. Have students engage in a debate, discussing the pros and cons of vaccination. Encourage them to use the information from the article to support their arguments. Afterward, have a class discussion on the different perspectives presented.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Provide each student with a piece of paper and a pencil. Instruct them to sketch an image that represents the importance of vaccination and preventing the spread of measles. Encourage creativity and imagination. Once everyone has finished, have students share and explain their drawings to the class. Facilitate a discussion on the different interpretations and messages conveyed through the sketches.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Instruct each group to discuss and make predictions about the future of measles outbreaks in England based on the current clusters of cases and vaccination rates. Have them consider factors such as government interventions, public awareness campaigns, and societal attitudes towards vaccination. Afterward, have each group present their predictions to the class and engage in a group discussion on the feasibility and potential impacts of these predictions.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Which regions in England have reported clusters of measles cases?
2. How many cases of measles have been reported in the past month?
3. What are the symptoms of measles?
4. Which region in England has seen the highest number of cases?
5. How can measles be prevented?
6. What are the common symptoms of measles?
7. What percentage of people are protected against measles and rubella after receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine?
8. What are the potential complications of measles?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Clusters of (1)______ cases are now being reported in various (2)______ of England, including London, the North West, (3)______, The Humber, the East (4)______, and the West Midlands. In the past month, there have been 166 cases, with 56 of those occurring in the last week. Measles is highly contagious and will continue to spread unless more people are vaccinated. Symptoms of measles include a rash and fever. The West Midlands has seen the highest number of cases, particularly in Birmingham. However, case numbers in that region are now stabilizing. Other regions with reported cases include London, the North West, Yorkshire, and The Humber, and the East Midlands.

Most of the infections have been observed in children and young people. Measles can be prevented through vaccination using the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab. Dr. (5)______ Saliba from the UK Health Security Agency has expressed concern about the low MMR vaccine (6)______ in some areas of the country, which has (7)______ to the current clusters of cases. While some parents are getting their children vaccinated, there are still hundreds of thousands of children who (8)______ unprotected and at risk of serious complications or lifelong disability. Dr. Saliba strongly urges parents to take up the offer of the MMR vaccine to ensure their child’s protection.

Measles is caused by a (9)______ that (10)______ through (11)______ and sneezes. Common symptoms (12)______ high fever, sore and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth. A red or brown rash typically appears a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see the rash on darker skin. Measles can affect individuals of any age who have not been vaccinated. After receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine, 99% of people are protected against measles and rubella, and 88% are protected against mumps. The first dose is usually given at 12 months old, while the second dose is administered at around three years and four months.

The number of young primary school children who have received both (13)______ of the MMR vaccine in England is below the World Health Organization’s target of 95%. Approximately 85% of children in England by the age of five had received two MMR doses in 2022-23, the lowest level since 2010-11. This (14)______ that millions of children under the age of 16 have not received both doses and are potentially at risk. While measles typically (15)______ up within seven to 10 days, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and (16)______. In some cases, it can be fatal.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the current clusters of measles cases in England?
2. How would you feel if you or someone you know contracted measles?
3. Do you think it’s important for parents to vaccinate their children? Why or why not?
4. Have you or anyone you know ever had measles? What was the experience like?
5. What are your thoughts on the low MMR vaccine uptake in some areas of England?
6. How do you think the government could increase MMR vaccine uptake?
7. Do you believe that measles could be eradicated through widespread vaccination? Why or why not?
8. What are some potential consequences of not getting vaccinated against measles?
9. Have you ever had any negative experiences or encounters related to vaccinations?
10. How do you think the media influences people’s opinions on vaccinations?
11. Do you think the responsibility for vaccinating children should solely be on the parents, or should the government play a larger role?
12. What are some reasons why parents might choose not to vaccinate their children?
13. How do you think the current clusters of measles cases could impact public health in England?
14. Do you think there should be stricter regulations or penalties for parents who choose not to vaccinate their children?
15. What are some potential solutions to increase MMR vaccine uptake in areas with low rates?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. measles
2. contagious
3. vaccinated
4. symptoms
5. clusters
6. complications
7. disability
8. virus
9. rash
10. immunity
11. fatal
12. pneumonia
13. meningitis
14. seizures
15. uptake

Meanings:
(A) A microscopic organism that causes diseases
(B) Signs or indications of a disease
(C) A skin condition that appears as red or brown spots
(D) A condition that limits a person’s ability to function physically or mentally
(E) Having received a vaccine to prevent a certain disease
(F) Leading to death
(G) Capable of being easily spread from person to person
(H) Secondary medical problems that develop as a result of a primary disease
(I) An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
(J) Groups or gatherings of cases in specific areas
(K) Involuntary muscle spasms or convulsions
(L) A lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing
(M) The body’s ability to resist a particular infection or toxin
(N) A highly infectious disease that can cause a rash and fever
(O) The rate at which something is absorbed or adopted
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where are clusters of measles cases being reported in England?
(a) Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
(b) London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands
(c) Southern England, including Cornwall and Devon
(d) None of the above

2. How many cases of measles have been reported in the past month?
(a) 56
(b) 100
(c) 166
(d) 200

3. What are the symptoms of measles?
(a) Cough and sneezing
(b) Sore and watery eyes
(c) Rash and fever
(d) All of the above

4. Which region in England has seen the highest number of measles cases?
(a) London
(b) Yorkshire
(c) East Midlands
(d) West Midlands

5. How can measles be prevented?
(a) Quarantine
(b) Antibiotics
(c) None of the above
(d) Vaccination using the MMR jab

6. How does measles spread?
(a) Through coughs and sneezes
(b) Through physical contact
(c) Through contaminated food and water
(d) None of the above

7. What percentage of people are protected against measles and rubella after receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine?
(a) 88%
(b) 99%
(c) 95%
(d) 85%

8. What are some potential complications of measles?
(a) Pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures
(b) Sore throat and runny nose
(c) Fatigue and muscle aches
(d) None of the above

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Measles is not highly contagious and does not continue to spread unless more people are vaccinated.
2. The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, has seen the highest number of measles cases, but the numbers are now stabilizing.
3. Symptoms of measles include a rash and fever.
4. Clusters of measles cases have been reported in various regions of England, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands.
5. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine cannot prevent measles.
6. In the past month, there have been 166 cases of measles in England, with 56 of those occurring in the last week.
7. The number of young primary school children who have received both doses of the MMR vaccine in England is above the World Health Organization’s target of 95%.
8. Measles infections have mainly been observed in adults and elderly people.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How many cases of measles have been reported in England in the past month?
2. Which regions in England have reported clusters of measles cases?
3. What are the symptoms of measles?
4. What is the current MMR vaccine uptake rate in some areas of the country?
5. What are some complications that can arise from measles?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Which regions in England have reported clusters of measles cases?
Clusters of measles cases have been reported in London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands.

2. How many cases of measles have been reported in the past month?
In the past month, there have been 166 cases of measles reported.

3. What are the symptoms of measles?
The symptoms of measles include a rash and fever. Other common symptoms include high fever, sore and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth.

4. Which region in England has seen the highest number of cases?
The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, has seen the highest number of cases.

5. How can measles be prevented?
Measles can be prevented through vaccination using the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab.

6. What are the common symptoms of measles?
Common symptoms of measles include high fever, sore and watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth. A red or brown rash typically appears a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

7. What percentage of people are protected against measles and rubella after receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine?
After receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine, 99% of people are protected against measles and rubella, and 88% are protected against mumps.

8. What are the potential complications of measles?
Potential complications of measles include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. In some cases, measles can be fatal.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) measles
(2) regions
(3) Yorkshire
(4) Midlands
(5) Vanessa
(6) uptake
(7) contributed
(8) remain
(9) virus
(10) spreads
(11) coughs
(12) include
(13) doses
(14) means
(15) clears
(16) seizures
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. measles
Answer: (N) A highly infectious disease that can cause a rash and fever

2. contagious
Answer: (G) Capable of being easily spread from person to person

3. vaccinated
Answer: (E) Having received a vaccine to prevent a certain disease

4. symptoms
Answer: (B) Signs or indications of a disease

5. clusters
Answer: (J) Groups or gatherings of cases in specific areas

6. complications
Answer: (H) Secondary medical problems that develop as a result of a primary disease

7. disability
Answer: (D) A condition that limits a person’s ability to function physically or mentally

8. virus
Answer: (A) A microscopic organism that causes diseases

9. rash
Answer: (C) A skin condition that appears as red or brown spots

10. immunity
Answer: (M) The body’s ability to resist a particular infection or toxin

11. fatal
Answer: (F) Leading to death

12. pneumonia
Answer: (L) A lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing

13. meningitis
Answer: (I) An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

14. seizures
Answer: (K) Involuntary muscle spasms or convulsions

15. uptake
Answer: (O) The rate at which something is absorbed or adopted
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where are clusters of measles cases being reported in England?
Answer: (b) London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands

2. How many cases of measles have been reported in the past month?
Answer: (c) 166

3. What are the symptoms of measles?
Answer: (c) Rash and fever

4. Which region in England has seen the highest number of measles cases?
Answer: (d) West Midlands

5. How can measles be prevented?
Answer: (d) Vaccination using the MMR jab

6. How does measles spread?
Answer: (a) Through coughs and sneezes

7. What percentage of people are protected against measles and rubella after receiving both doses of the MMR vaccine?
Answer: (b) 99%

8. What are some potential complications of measles?
Answer: (a) Pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Measles is not highly contagious and does not continue to spread unless more people are vaccinated. (Answer: False)
2. The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, has seen the highest number of measles cases, but the numbers are now stabilizing. (Answer: True)
3. Symptoms of measles include a rash and fever. (Answer: True)
4. Clusters of measles cases have been reported in various regions of England, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, The Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands. (Answer: True)
5. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine cannot prevent measles. (Answer: False)
6. In the past month, there have been 166 cases of measles in England, with 56 of those occurring in the last week. (Answer: True)
7. The number of young primary school children who have received both doses of the MMR vaccine in England is above the World Health Organization’s target of 95%. (Answer: False)
8. Measles infections have mainly been observed in adults and elderly people. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧