‘My Ezra isn’t talking to us much after his measles recovery’ – says mother amid reports of new West Midlands outbreak

Ezra Barrett, now aged 20 months, from Pelsall, was diagnosed with the condition after falling seriously ill on January 9 last year and spent six days in recovering in hospital.

His mother Davina said the toddler is now in good health and thriving, but revealed that due to speech issues doctors are currently investigating if his hearing was affected by the illness. 

In just over a week here have been seven confirmed cases in the West Midlands – mainly in the Birmingham area.

Mrs Barrett, aged 29, of Pelsall near Walsall said: “Ezra is doing really well and is developing normally. We’ve noticed that he’s not speaking much. The hospital is saying he may not be able to hear properly due to contracting measles and that is being investigated.

“He can hear, but something’s affecting his speech which is what needs to be looked into.  Otherwise his development is perfect in other areas. He is confident and plays with his brother Noah. He likes playing football and he dances. 

“If you’re sending children to school and to nursery and they haven’t been vaccinated, they’re mixing with others and are at risk.”

She is also encouraging parents to do their own research if they have concerns about the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jab.

 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands regional deputy director Katie Spence added: “Measles can cause serious illness, and while most people will recover completely within a couple of weeks, the virus can sometimes leave permanent disability and can even be fatal. Measles is very infectious and can spread rapidly among communities, if people have not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

“The recent wave of cases we’ve seen in the West Midlands have all been in unvaccinated children under 10-years-old. That’s why it’s so important that you and your family are protected by the MMR vaccine – especially before meeting up with family and friends for get togethers such as Eid this weekend, or going away on holiday, as outbreaks are being seen in many countries.

“The MMR vaccine is very effective, and protects against measles, along with mumps and rubella. It is completely free on the NHS, and there is a version of the vaccine (Priorix) that is suitable for people who don’t touch pork products – just ask at your GP surgery. You need two doses for maximum protection, and these should be given before your child starts school full-time, but you can arrange to have any jabs you’ve missed, it’s never too late to catch up.”

Latest England figures show there were 109 confirmed cases in April and at least 86 in May predominantly among unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. London recorded almost half of all cases reported. 

Last year special vaccine clinics were set up including in Walsall and Sandwell after outbreaks. In Wolverhampton, schools including Hill Avenue Primary School, in Hill Avenue, Lanesfield, urged parents to check if pupils received both doses at aged one and at three years and four months. 

More information about measles and the MMR vaccine can be found on the webpage blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/measles