Jab alert as fifth case of measles is diagnosed

THE number of people taken ill following a measles outbreak has now risen to five, it has been confirmed.

Public Health Wales is continuing to urge parents to get their children vaccinated with the MMR jab to stop the spread of the virus.

The outbreak, which began last week, is linked with Lliswerry High School in Newport.

Since then successful vaccination sessions have been held at the high school, as well as six neighbouring primary schools.

MMR vaccinations were offered to pupils at Somerton Primary School, Lliswerry Primary School, Eveswell Primary School, St Andrew’s Primary School, Pillgwenlly Primary School and Maindee Primary School on Friday. A total of 171 pupils were vaccinated in the sessions, following 123 children at Lliswerry High School being vaccinated last week.

Heather Lewis, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “We are pleased with the uptake of the MMR vaccine at the Newport schools where we have undertaken vaccination sessions and continue to work to ensure we do everything we can to limit the spread of measles infection.

“Measles is highly infectious and the only way to prevent large outbreaks is through vaccination.

“We urge parents whose children have not received two doses of MMR to ensure that they speak to their GP immediately to arrange this quick, safe and effective vaccine.”

Children with measles symptoms – which include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a distinctive red rash – should be kept home from school. Parents who suspect their child has measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for an assessment.