Measles spreading – Nine cases have been confirmed in southeast Wales and there are fears the disease is spreading.PHW urges parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR to avoid contracting it. Early symptoms include a high temperature, cough, runny nose, and red, painful eyes. Small white spots inside the mouth can also be an indicator.
PHW said the cases are in the Gwent area, which covers the boroughs of Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly & Blaenau Gwent.
We have been working with the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to identify contacts in each case and all those affected are currently being treated. She has also provided them with advice on what steps to take and information about the signs and symptoms of measles.
PHW’s Beverley Griggs said: “Measles is a highly infectious disease and can have serious complications, especially in babies, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. Children who have not received a full course of the MMR vaccine may have to be removed from school for up to 21 days if they are identified as a contact of a measles case.
“We understand this may have an impact on children who will soon be sitting exams and we would ask parents for continued support to stop further cases of measles in the community.”
She added that adults who have never had measles or the MMR vaccine and who are in close contact with children are also urged to speak to their GP.
Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz from the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said the correct age for the first dose of MMR is around 12 months, and the second booster dose is around three years and four months.
Measles spreading
There is evidence that measles cases first linked to a Welsh hospital are spreading in the community. Public Health Wales [PHW] declared a measles outbreak in Gwent last month following cases linked to the emergency department at Grange Hospital.Measles spreading
Following the initial four cases that led to the declaration of an outbreak, more cases have been discovered. The health body said nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Gwent so far.Measles spreading
Parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine to avoid contracting measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease and can have serious complications and sometimes be fatal.
Additionally, adults who have never had measles or the MMR vaccine and who are in close contact with children are also urged to make sure they talk to their GP about vaccination.” Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, executive director of public health at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “I would ask all Gwent parents to ensure their children have received the MMR vaccine at the appropriate age, i.e., the first dose around 12 months. with the second booster dose around three years and four months.Measles spreading
“However, if your child has not yet received the MMR vaccine, he can still come forward to receive it. It is never too late to get vaccinated.
“It is very easy for parents to check their children’s vaccination status; They can check their red book or visit their local health board’s website. If you live in Gwent, you can call the vaccination team on 0300 303 1373 to arrange an MMR vaccine. Measles spreading
“I also encourage people to be aware of the early symptoms which include; high temperature, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red, painful eyes), and sometimes small white spots on the inside of the mouth. “If you suspect measles, stay home and contact your GP to make an urgent appointment or call 111.”Measles spreading