MEASLES AND SCARLET FEVER CASES SURGE

SOARING numbers of measles and scarlet fever cases were reported across Wales last year, it has been revealed.

According to Public Health England (PHE), which collates data for Wales and England, there were 236 suspected cases of measles in 2018 in Wales.

That was an increase from 202 reported in 2017 – and the highest number since the substantial outbreak in 2013 when the figure stood at 1,551.

Cardiff had the highest number of suspected measles cases last year at 51, followed by Rhondda Cynon Taff (26) and Caerphilly (23).

Last year, the Welsh NHS urged parents to ensure their children were fully protected against measles with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The first dose of MMR is usually given to children at 12 months old and the second at three years and four months.

Dr Christopher Williams, epidemiologist for Public Health Wales, said: “The number of measles cases in Wales has varied annually over the last few years.

“The rate was significantly higher in 2018 than in the previous year owing to an outbreak in south east Wales in March 2018.”

He added: “Outbreaks and sporadic cases have been seen across the UK, particularly in London and the south east of England.

“Measles cases have also increased over the past few years in Europe, with a number of significant outbreaks, all of which adds to the risk of cases and outbreaks in the UK.”

In addition, figures show cases of scarlet fever hit their highest level since available records began in 2010.

There were 1,920 suspected cases reported in Wales in 2018, up from 1,295 in 2017.

Cardiff once again had the highest rates in the country with 212 in 2018, followed by Swansea (198) and Rhondda Cynon Taff (163).

Scarlet fever is a very contagious, seasonal bacterial illness that usually presents with a sore throat, fever, headaches, and a rosy rash that generally starts on a patient’s chest and mainly affects children. Cases usually peak between December and May.

Dr Williams added: “Over the last few years we have seen increased reports of scarlet fever each year across Wales, which is in line with the rest of the UK.

“Public Health Wales is part of a UK-wide investigation into the causes and implications of the increase in scarlet fever, cases of which increased sharply in 2014 across the UK.

“Scarlet fever is rarely serious and can be treated with antibiotics. The symptoms include a red, flushed face and swollen tongue.

“The infection usually affects children aged two to eight but can be caught at any age.

“We would advise parents to be alert to the symptoms of scarlet fever and speak to their GP if they are concerned about their child’s health.”

More information about scarlet fever is available at wales.nhs.uk/ sitesplus/888/page/79226.

More information about measles is available at nhsdirect.wales.nhs. uk/encyclopaedia/m/article/measles