A measles outbreak has been declared in Cardiff, with seven confirmed cases in children over the last six weeks. Public Health Wales (PHW) has urged parents to ensure their children are up to date with the MMR vaccine, especially in “young children.” The MMR vaccine typically has two doses, one at 12 months and the second after three years, but children can catch up with it at any age.
Measles is a contagious infectious disease known for its severity and unpleasantness, similar to the common cold. It spreads easily through droplets from the nose and mouth. Symptoms include a distinctive red or brown rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and affected children should be kept away from school, nursery, and vulnerable individuals. The rash usually begins on the head and spreads down the body. Parents with concerns should contact their GP or use NHS 111 Wales online for symptom checking.
Sion Lingard, a Consultant in Health Protection for PHW, emphasized the need for vaccination to prevent outbreaks. PHW encourages parents to ensure their children receive two doses of MMR and also urges unvaccinated adults to get vaccinated. Those not vaccinated may be restricted from in-person contact with schools and nurseries if they are in contact with a measles case due to the high infection risk.
Complications from measles are common, with one in ten children requiring hospitalization for severe issues like pneumonia and meningitis. Tragically, for every 1,000 cases of measles, at least one fatality is reported due to complications of the infection.
Common signs and symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small white spots inside the cheeks, and a whole-body rash that typically starts on the face and neck before spreading.
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A measles outbreak has been declared in Cardiff, with seven confirmed cases in children over the last six weeks. Public Health Wales (PHW) has urged parents to ensure their children are up to date with the MMR vaccine, especially in “young children.” The MMR vaccine typically has two doses, one at 12 months and the second after three years, but children can catch up with it at any age.
Measles is a contagious infectious disease known for its severity and unpleasantness, similar to the common cold. It spreads easily through droplets from the nose and mouth. Symptoms include a distinctive red or brown rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and affected children should be kept away from school, nursery, and vulnerable individuals. The rash usually begins on the head and spreads down the body. Parents with concerns should contact their GP or use NHS 111 Wales online for symptom checking.
Sion Lingard, a Consultant in Health Protection for PHW, emphasized the need for vaccination to prevent outbreaks. PHW encourages parents to ensure their children receive two doses of MMR and also urges unvaccinated adults to get vaccinated. Those not vaccinated may be restricted from in-person contact with schools and nurseries if they are in contact with a measles case due to the high infection risk.
Complications from measles are common, with one in ten children requiring hospitalization for severe issues like pneumonia and meningitis. Tragically, for every 1,000 cases of measles, at least one fatality is reported due to complications of the infection.
Common signs and symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small white spots inside the cheeks, and a whole-body rash that typically starts on the face and neck before spreading.