Measles surge sparks jabs call
Vaccination plea as disease cases treble:
THERE have been more than 150 cases of measles reported in Wales since the start of the year – nearly three times as many as last year.
There were 17 cases in Rhondda Cynon Taff – up four from last year.
Young people heading off on holiday to Europe, where there are large outbreaks of measles, are being encouraged to check they have had both MMR doses, as many missed out when vaccination rates dropped in the early 2000s due to unfounded fears over the vaccine.
From the start of the year up to June 17 a total of 155 suspected cases of measles were reported in Wales to Public Health England (PHE), which collects reports for England and Wales.
Cases across England and Wales have now exceeded 1,500 in 2018.
The number of reports is 2.7 times higher than the 58 cases reported in the same 24 weeks in 2017.
Cardiff saw the highest number of reports in the first 24 weeks of the year, with 41, up from one in the same period in 2017.
It was followed by Blaenau Gwent, Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taff, with 17 cases each, up from two, four and four respectively, with 13 cases in Caerphilly, seven each in Flintshire and Newport, and six each in Monmouthshire and Torfaen.
In the 24 weeks ending June 17, some 1,525 suspected cases of measles were reported to PHE across England and Wales.
The number of reports is much higher than over the same period in recent years. There were 713 cases reported in 2017 as well as 753 in 2016, 618 in 2015, and 1,055 in 2014.
However, numbers are lower than in previous outbreaks, with 1,985 cases reported in the first 24 weeks of 2012 and 4,602 cases in the same period in 2013.
PHE is encouraging young people to make sure they have had both doses of the MMR vaccine before going to Europe.
In April, Public Health Wales called on teens and young adults to ensure they were up to date with their MMR.
Cases of measles continue to rise in unvaccinated people of this age.
While vaccine uptake levels in the UK in young children are currently very high, coverage levels dipped to a low of 80% in 2003.
This means there are significant numbers of unprotected teenagers and young adults who could catch measles, particularly in environments of close mixing such as summer festivals and when they travel abroad. The vaccine is available free to anyone who has not received both doses as a child. It protects against measles, mumps and rubella – all of which can be very serious.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious complications and can be fatal in rare cases.
Dr Gwen Lowe, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said in April: “The only way to prevent large outbreaks is through vaccination.
“Your GP can arrange this quick, safe and effective vaccine.”
Anyone who thinks they, or a child in their care, has measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 and alert them before attending any medical appointment.