More measles cases reported in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot
A FURTHER twenty new cases of measles have been reported in the Swansea region, as the outbreak of the infection continues.
Last week, Public Health Wales urged parents to ensure their children had received their MMR vaccine, after revealing a total of 189 cases of measles had been diagnosed in people living in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area since November.
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At least one school, Parkland Primary in Sketty Park, has held a clinic offering vaccinations to staff and pupils.
The outbreak includes cases in 32 secondary and primary schools and nurseries.
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Since last Friday, a further twenty have now been reported in the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas, bringing the total number of cases to 209.
The majority of these new cases are in the Swansea area, with a smaller number of cases reported across the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area.
Dr Marion Lyons, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: "Measles is a very contagious disease that will be contracted by 90 per cent of unvaccinated people who come into contact with cases. All children who have not been fully immunised face a life-long risk of catching measles.
"Many people who catch measles will have a fever, a rash and feel generally unwell. Not all of these signs and symptoms may show at once. Typically, people will be infectious from a few days before the onset of their rash until four to five days after the onset of the rash.
"If your child is unwell and you suspect it is measles you should contact your GP. Your child should not attend school or nursery for four days after the rash starts.
"Most people make a full recovery but there is a rare possibility of severe complications including serious eye disorders, deafness, brain damage and even death.
"Measles can be prevented by use of the safe and highly effective measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
"Parents can easily protect their children by having them immunised with the MMR vaccine. After completing a two-dose course of MMR, 99 per cent of children will be protected against measles."
Parents of all children aged between one and 18 who have not been fully vaccinated should contact their GP for advice and arrange vaccination as soon as possible.
Vaccination is the only effective way of protecting against measles.
www.publichealthwales.org/measles
Has your child been affected by measles? Would you like to speak out to warn other parents? If so, please contact our newsdesk on 01792 514606.
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