Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 378 cases; 41 hospitalized

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...asles-toll-rises-to-253-cases-91466-23762325/


Measles toll rises to 253 cases

Jun 1 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline

THE number of people affected by Wales? largest measles outbreak in a generation has risen to 253.

Figures from the National Public Health Service for Wales today revealed that 12 more cases of the highly infectious virus have been reported.

There are now 188 cases in Mid and West Wales, 57 in North Wales and eight in South East Wales.

Four new cases have been reported in Neath Port Talbot, while Conwy, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire each have two new cases and Bridgend and Torfaen both have one new case.

No additional patients have been admitted to hospital with the disease - the number of people receiving hospital treatment remaining at 32, some of whom have been treated in intensive care units.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8076923.stm

Call for debate on compulsory MMR

An assembly member wants a debate on introducing an element of compulsion over vaccinating children with the MMR triple vaccine.

Torfaen AM Lynn Neagle believes Wales should follow the example of the US, where children who are not vaccinated cannot start state school.

The current outbreak of measles, which the MMR jab protects against, has caused 253 cases of the disease.

More than 30 people have been treated in hospital across the country.

It is the largest outbreak of the disease since the MMR vaccine was introduced in Wales more than 20 years ago with 88 cases in the mid and west Wales area, 57 in north Wales and eight in south east Wales.

Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Dearden, who represents GPs at the British Medical Association, told BBC Wales that doctors were beginning to see more cases of mumps.

He added that MMR was safe and there needed to be a return to a position where parents made a choice "made on fact, not fear".

Ms Neagle, who has two children, aged six and 10 months, told BBC Wales she would be raising the issue in the Welsh assembly and health professionals.

"I think it's quite clear now that some major action does need to be taken," she said.

"We're in the middle of a serious measles outbreak. All public experts agree its only a matter of time before we see the first measles death in Wales for many years.

"What we need now is a debate about how we bring MMR vaccines up to the level that would prevent that kind of thing happening.

"As you know we had a report [on the MMR] many years ago which has been thoroughly discredited and we have not seen the increase in immunisations which would prevent outbreaks such as the one we're in.

"I want a debate on whether it's time to move to an element of compulsion on the MMR."

Some have suggested the government should offer single vaccines for those parents who still do not want to have their children immunised with the MMR, which also protects against mumps and rubella.

However, Ms Neagle said it would be "irresponsible" to pursue a single vaccine campaign.

She said her eldest child had had the MMR but the other one was not yet old enough, which worried her.

"My other child is still a baby and is too young for the MMR, and it's those children who are most at risk from the measles outbreak and are being put at risk by the decision not to give children the MMR."

On Saturday, 47 children were taken from the Llanelli and Swansea areas to a private clinic in Worcestershire to have single measles jabs, despite official advice to receive the free NHS MMR vaccine.

'Red herring'

The clinic they attended, Desumo, had 50 children signed up to receive vaccines in Llanelli on Saturday but could not get a licence to run the clinic in time.

The company said it was responding to public demand offering parents an alternative to the triple MMR vaccine - a single jab advertised on its website for ?75.

Health chiefs in Wales have previously said the single vaccine is a "red herring" and are warning parents against using it.

Wales' Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Jewell said he was concerned about their safety and effectiveness.

He said: "There is no need for parents to spend money on a vaccine when there is a proven, safe and effective alternative in the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine that has been used across the world for more than 20 years."

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 235 cases

Source: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nor...udno-schools-say-helth-chiefs-55578-23795164/


Measles under control at Llandudno schools say helth chiefs

Jun 5 2009 By Tom Simone

PUBLIC health chiefs believe a measles outbreak centred around two Llandudno schools is under control.

Special vaccination sessions were organised for pupils of Ysgol John Bright and Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn via GPs? surgeries.

But parents were warned that measles remains in the North Wales community and were urged to ensure children receive MMR jabs.

Measles cases in Conwy remained at 53 yesterday out of 56 in the region and 264 across Wales.

Meanwhile, health minister Edwina Hart is considering measures to check pupils? health records for vaccination when they enter primary and secondary school and to issue further advice to parents.

Four additional cases of measles have been reported yesterday with clusters in Conwy, Carmarthenshire, Neath and Pembrokeshire.

The total number of patients hospitalised remains at 32.

A National Public Health Service spokesperson said yesterday that it believed that the measles outbreak in the two Llandudno schools was now "under control".

But she added: "We are still looking at sporadic cases of measles and although the figure in Conwy is static at 53 that doesn?t mean it is over because we have so many other cases elsewhere in Wales. It is highly contagious and you don?t need to know someone with measles to catch it."

Dr Marion Lyons, Head of the Health Protection Teams for the NPHS, said: "The WAG is distributing leaflets and DVDs to schools across Wales in the coming weeks to raise awareness of measles and the MMR vaccine and we hope that this, plus the work we are doing with local health professionals to boost vaccine uptake, will help increase the numbers of vaccinated children.

"We continue to be concerned at the number of cases of measles in Wales and we believe that these figures will continue to rise in the coming weeks.

"We cannot emphasise enough that measles is an illness that can kill, or leave patients with permanent complications including severe brain damage.

"The only protection against measles is two doses of the MMR vaccination.

"Some of the people hospitalised with measles have spent time in Intensive Care Units and we fear it is only a matter of time before someone dies or is left permanently affected by measles."

People most at risk are children of school age who have not had two doses of MMR or children between the ages of one and three who missed their first MMR dose at 13 months.

"We estimate that there are around 45,000 school age children at risk of measles in Wales at present due to their MMR status," she said.

"Children should have their immunisation record, including MMR status, checked at the beginning of primary and secondary school and on leaving secondary school."

Parents who think their child has measles-like symptoms should keep them away from school and contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 084....

Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones said: "The simple message must be for parents to get their children immunised with the completely safe and free MMR vaccine."

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 277 cases

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 277 cases

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...ious-attack-in-swansea-street-91466-23820286/


...Measles cases in Wales reach 277

THE number of cases of measles in Wales has risen to 277 as the outbreak continues to spread.

There are now 210 cases in Mid and West Wales, 56 in North Wales and 11 in South- East Wales.

The outbreak has been blamed on low uptake rates of the MMR vaccine.

Confidence in the jab started to fall when Dr Andrew Wakefield published his now-discredited research linking the vaccine to autism and bowel disease.

A total of 32 people have been hospitalised with measles and some treated in intensive care.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 286 cases; 34 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 286 cases; 34 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/06/10/unknown-91466-23836406/


New measles cases hit Wales
Jun 10 2009 by Steffan Rhys

FIVE new cases of measles have been reported in Wales.

The National Public Health Service for Wales said there is one new case in Carmarthenshire, one in Pembrokeshire, one in Neath Port Talbot, one in Wrexham and one in Merthyr Tydfil.

The new cases in Merthyr and Wrexham are the first to be reported in the counties, 16 of which in Wales are now affected.

The total number of cases of measles in Wales is now 286, 215 cases of which are in Mid and West Wales, 57 in North Wales and 14 in South East Wales.

The worst affected county is Carmarthenshire, with 76 cases, while Swansea has 45, Neath Port Talbot 33 and Pembrokeshire 31.

One further patient has been hospitalised in Wales. The total number of patients hospitalised is now 34.

The NPHS is also investigating 422 cases of mumps in Wales reported since January 1. In 2008, 329 cases were reported in the whole of the year.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the NPHS, said: ?With the numbers of cases of measles in Wales continuing to rise on a daily basis and the outbreak now having spread to two more counties, we remain concerned for anyone who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

?The vaccine is safe, effective and the only protection against measles. The vaccine also provides protection against mumps, which is currently also on the increase in Wales.

?Although most children will make a full recovery from measles or mumps, both diseases have potentially serious consequences. Children can be left permanently brain damaged or can even die of measles. Complications of mumps include meningitis and deafness.

?People most at risk of catching measles are children of school age who have not had two doses of MMR or children between the ages of one and three who missed their first MMR dose at 13 months.

?We estimate that there are around 45,000 school age children at risk of measles in Wales at present due to their MMR status. Children should have their immunisation record, including MMR status, checked at the beginning of primary and secondary school and on leaving secondary school.?

Meanwhile, there remain just two confirmed cases of swine flu in Wales, in a 66-year-old woman from the Swansea area and a 31-year-old man from Caerphilly.

The woman had mild flu symptoms, has completed a course of antivirals and has recovered from her illness, which was related to travel to an affected area.

The NPHS has traced all close contacts and none have been found to have flu. All have been offered antivirals.

The 31-year-old man has also now recovered.

There are no probable cases in Wales, where 116 people have been under investigation, including nine still under investigation.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 293 cases; 34 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 293 cases; 34 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...ore-cases-of-measles-in-wales-91466-23844997/


Seven more cases of measles in Wales

Jun 11 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline

SEVEN new cases of measles have been identified as Wales? largest outbreak of the highly infectious virus continues to grow.

Almost 300 cases of measles have been reported in 16 of Wales? 22 counties, prompting public health officials to renew calls for all children to have two doses of MMR.

There is one new case in Pembrokeshire, one in Torfaen and five in Swansea.

A total of 293 cases of measles have now been notified to the National Public Health Service for Wales ? there are 221 cases in Mid and West Wales, 57 in North Wales and 15 in South East Wales.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 307 cases; 36 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 307 cases; 36 hospitalized

Source: http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=16951

Wales warned that measles can kill

17/6/2009

Five new cases of measles have been reported in Wales today, bringing the total to 307.

Dr Marion Lyons, of the National Public Health Service, said: ?In less than four weeks, we have seen 100 new cases of measles in Wales and we remain concerned that if the numbers continue to grow at this rate, it is only a matter of time before a child in Wales is killed or left permanently affected by measles."

There are four new cases in Swansea and one in Carmarthenshire.

The outbreak is affecting 16 of the 22 counties of Wales.

There are 233 cases in Mid and West Wales, 58 in North Wales and 16 in South East Wales.

The number of patients hospitalised remains at 36.

The NPHS is also investigating 484 cases of mumps in Wales reported since 1 January this year. In 2008, 329 cases were reported in the whole of the year.

Dr Lyons said: ?With more than 300 cases of measles in Wales, there is no room for parents to be complacent about this outbreak. The message is simple ? new cases can only occur because children are not fully vaccinated and the outbreak will continue to grow until uptake of MMR increases in Wales.

?The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and the only protection against measles. The vaccine also provides protection against mumps, which is currently also on the increase in Wales.

?Although most children will make a full recovery from measles or mumps, both diseases have potentially serious consequences. Children can be left permanently brain damaged or can even die of measles. Complications of mumps include meningitis and deafness.

?People most at risk of catching measles are children of school age who have not had two doses of MMR or children between the ages of one and three who missed their first MMR dose at 13 months.

?We estimate that there are around 45,000 school age children at risk of measles in Wales at present due to their MMR status. Children should have their immunisation record, including MMR status, checked at the beginning of primary and secondary school and on leaving secondary school.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 316 cases; 38 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 316 cases; 38 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...-patient-is-taken-to-hospital-91466-23944384/


Measles outbreak grows as another patient is taken to hospital
Jun 22 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline


AN OUTBREAK of measles in North Wales has been brought under control but the number of cases across the rest of Wales is continuing to rise.

The latest figures from the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) reveal there are now 316 cases of the highly infectious virus in Wales.

And another person with measles has been admitted to hospital, bring the total number of people who have needed specialist care to 38, as Wales? largest outbreak of measles in a generation has spread across the country ? there are now cases in 16 of the nation?s 22 counties.

The NPHS today said that the North Wales outbreak, which was linked to two schools in Llandudno, has been brought under control.

But experts are reminding parents that measles is still circulating in the community and that all children who have not been vaccinated with MMR are at risk.

And in Mid, South and West Wales the outbreak continues to spread ? the latest three cases of measles were identified in Torfaen, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the NPHS, said: ?In less than four weeks we have seen 100 new cases of measles in Wales and we remain concerned that if the numbers continue to grow at this rate it is only a matter of time before a child in Wales is killed or left permanently affected by measles.

?With more than 300 cases in Wales, 38 of which have needed hospital treatment, there is no room for parents to be complacent about this outbreak.

?The message is simple ? new cases can only occur because children are not fully vaccinated and the outbreak will continue to grow until uptake of MMR increases in Wales.

?The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and the only protection against measles. The vaccine also provides protection against mumps, which is currently also on the increase in Wales.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 316 cases; 38 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 316 cases; 38 hospitalized

Source: http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=16989

Measles and mumps on the rampage

23/6/2009

Wales has seen 100 new cases of measles in less than four weeks and today the number stands at 319 with 38 patients having been hospitalised.

Dr Marion Lyons, of the National Public Health Service, said: ?We remain concerned that if the numbers continue to grow at this rate, it is only a matter of time before a child in Wales is killed or left permanently affected by measles.

?With more than 300 cases in Wales, 38 of which have needed hospital treatment, there is no room for parents to be complacent about this outbreak.

?The message is simple ? new cases can only occur because children are not fully vaccinated and the outbreak will continue to grow until uptake of MMR increases in Wales.?

Three new cases of measles were reported today - one in Neath Port Talbot and two in Swansea.

The outbreak is affecting 16 of the 22 counties of Wales. There are 244 cases in Mid and West Wales, 58 in North Wales and 17 in South East Wales.

The outbreak of measles in Llandudno has now been brought under control. but parents of children living in the area are reminded that measles continues to circulate in the community and there is still a risk to unvaccinated children.

The NPHS is also investigating 484 cases of mumps in Wales reported since 1 January this year. In 2008, 329 cases were reported in the whole of the year.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 323 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 323 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...st-case-identified-in-cardiff-91466-23964777/


Experts' measles warning as first case identified in Cardiff

Jun 24 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline

THE first case of measles linked to Wales? largest outbreak of the disease has been identified in Cardiff.

The case in the capital is further evidence that the highly infectious virus is continuing to spread rapidly across Wales ? 17 of the nation?s 22 counties now have cases of measles.

The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) is continuing to investigate the source of the Cardiff infection.

It is one of four new cases to be reported today ? the others are in Bridgend, Swansea and Carmarthenshire ? and brings the total number of cases to 323.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the NPHS, said: ?The new measles case in Cardiff means that we are now seeing cases in almost every county of Wales and the outbreak continues to spread across the country.

?Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated, regardless of where they live in Wales.

?With so many cases in the community and new ones being reported every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

?Although most patients in the current outbreak are recovering well, 40 people have needed hospital treatment.

?Measles kills and it leaves children seriously impaired for life. If your child is not vaccinated, we cannot guarantee they will not catch measles and we cannot guarantee they will make a full recovery if they do become unwell.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 325 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 325 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...es-confirmed-in-blaenau-gwent-91466-23974800/


Two more measles cases confirmed in Blaenau Gwent

Jun 25 2009 Greg Tindle, WalesOnline


Further cases of measles have been reported today as Wales largest outbreak of the disease continues to spread.

Health officials have confirmed that two cases of the highly infectious virus have been identified in the Blaenau Gwent area where three other cases have already been reported.

The outbreak, which is the largest in Wales in recent years, is now affecting 17 of the 22 counties in Wales with a total of 325 cases ?40 of which have received hospital treatment. There are 247 cases in Mid and West Wales, 58 in North Wales and 20 in South East Wales.

The National Public Health service for Wales say the outbreak of measles in Llandudno has now been brought under control but parents of children living in the area are reminded that measles continues to circulate in the community and there is still a risk to unvaccinated children.

Dr Marion Lyons, Head of the Health Protection Teams for the NPHS, said: ?We are now seeing cases in almost every county of Wales and the outbreak continues to spread across the country.

?Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated, regardless of where they live in Wales. With so many cases in the community and new ones being reported every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

?We estimate that there are around 45,000 school age children at risk of measles in Wales at present due to their MMR status. Children should have their immunisation record, including MMR status, checked at the beginning of primary and secondary school and on leaving secondary school.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 328 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 328 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...firmed-in-hard-hit-west-wales-91466-23997712/


Three more measles cases confirmed in hard-hit West Wales

Jun 27 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail
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MORE cases of measles have been reported in the two regions of Wales most affected by the nation?s largest outbreak of the disease in a generation.

Public health officials have confirmed three more cases of the highly infectious virus have been identified in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

More than a third of the 328 cases of measles in Wales have occurred in the two counties.

The outbreak, which is the largest in Wales for nearly two decades, is now affecting 17 of the nation?s 22 counties and 40 children and adults have been hospitalised.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the National Public Health Service for Wales, said: ?We are now seeing cases in almost every county of Wales and the outbreak continues to spread.

?Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated, regardless of where they live in Wales.

?With so many cases in the community and new ones being reported every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.?

There are 250 cases in Mid and West Wales, 58 in North Wales ? the Llandudno outbreak has been declared over ? and 20 cases in South East Wales.

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 328 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 328 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/4462341.More_measles_cases_in_Gwent/

More measles cases in Gwent

10:50am Sunday 28th June 2009

TWO new cases of measles have been confirmed in Blaenau Gwent, bringing the total in Gwent to 13 out of 328 Wales-wide.

There have now been five cases in Blaenau Gwent and eight in Torfaen, with Newport, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly remaining free of cases.

All but 32 cases have been recorded in the following areas: Conwy (53), Bridgend (25), Carmarthenshire (82), Pembrokeshire (38), Neath Port Talbot (35), and Swansea (63). Forty of the cases have resulted in the patient being hospitalised.

"We are now seeing cases in almost every county in Wales and the outbreak continues to spread," said Dr Marion Lyons, head of the National Public Health Service for Wales' health protection teams.

"With so many cases in the community, and new ones being reported every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine."

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 331 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 331 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/n...-hit-city/article-1126891-detail/article.html


Two new measles cases confirmed
Wednesday, July 01, 2009, 12:35


TWO new measles cases have hit Swansea.

The city now has 65 people struck down with the illness, leaving the outbreak affecting 17 out of the 22 Welsh counties.

Wales-wide there are 331 cases, with 35 in Neath Port Talbot and 82 in Carmarthenshire.

A total of 40 people have been hospitalised.

Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the National Public Health Service, said: "We are now seeing cases in almost every county of Wales, and the outbreak continues to spread across the country.

"Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated, regardless of where they live in Wales. "With so many cases in the community, and new ones being reported every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine."

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 349 cases; 40 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 349 cases; 40 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...les-outbreak-remains-alarming-91466-24155533/


Measles outbreak remains alarming

Jul 15 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, South Wales Echo


AS THE focus shifts to swine flu, public health experts are still managing a nationwide outbreak of measles.

There are now 349 cases of the virus in Wales, including 25 in South East Wales ? including cases in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.

The outbreak has been blamed on a decade of low take-up rates of the MMR vaccine, following discredited research that linked the jab to autism and bowel disease.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the National Public Health Service, said: ?The numbers of new cases in Wales may seem small, but parents should remember that in some recent years in Wales, we have not seen a single case of measles all year, so new cases each day remains a cause for alarm.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 355 cases; 41 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 355 cases; 41 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...-continues-to-spread-in-wales-91466-24174082/


Measles outbreak continues to spread in Wales

Jul 17 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail


CASES of measles have now been diagnosed in all but two counties in Wales.

The outbreak is continuing to spread as more people are catching the virus every week ? the total stands at 355.

It has been blamed on low MMR vaccination rates, sparked by discredited research linking the jab to autism and bowel disease.

Figures from the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) show that only the Vale of Glamorgan and Anglesey are measles free.

One new case of measles was last night confirmed in Swansea and a further four cases in Caerphilly, two in Monmouthshire and three in Newport ? all historic ? were reported for the first time.

A total of 41 people, including very young children, have been admitted to hospital for treatment.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the NPHS, said: ?The numbers of new cases in Wales being reported each day may seem small but parents should remember that in some recent years in Wales, we have not seen a single case of measles all year, so new cases each day remains a cause for alarm.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 366 cases; 41 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 366 cases; 41 hospitalized

Source: http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=17218

Measles count now 366

24/7/2009

There are seven new cases of measles in Wales. The new cases are all in Merthyr Tydfil.

The outbreak is affecting 20 of the 22 counties of Wales.
The total number of cases is now 366.

There are 267 cases in Mid and West Wales, 61 in North Wales and 38 in South East Wales.

No additional patients have been hospitalised, meaning that the number of hospitalised cases remains at 41.

All 366 cases are being treated as measles regardless of whether they are laboratory-confirmed.

The NPHS is also investigating 543 cases of mumps in Wales reported between 1 January and 28 June this year. In 2008, 329 cases were reported in the whole of the year. Public health action is taken in relation to all new cases of mumps but we do not collate and publish figures on the total number of cases in Wales more often than once a week

Dr Marion Lyons, Head of the Health Protection Teams for the NPHS, said: ?The numbers of new cases in Wales being reported each day may seem small but parents should remember that in some recent years in Wales, we have not seen a single case of measles all year, so new cases each day remains a cause for alarm.

?Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated, regardless of where they live in Wales. With so many cases in the community and new ones being reported nearly every day, there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR v

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 367 cases; 41 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 367 cases; 41 hospitalized

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...easles-case-in-merthyr-tydfil-91466-24252582/


New measles case in Merthyr Tydfil

Jul 28 2009 by Madeleine Brindley, South Wales Echo
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ANOTHER person has been diagnosed with measles in Merthyr Tydfil as the outbreak continues to spread across Wales.

There have now been 10 cases of the disease in the borough. The all-Wales total yesterday stood at 367 cases.

People living in 20 of Wales? 22 counties have been affected by the outbreak.

The outbreak has been blamed on low take-up rates of the MMR vaccine after Dr Andrew Wakefield?s research linking the jab to autism and bowel disease was published in 1998. His research has since been discredited but parents? confidence in the vaccine has been slow to return.

Dr Marion Lyons, head of the health protection teams for the National Public Health Service for Wales, said: ?Parents need to be concerned if their children are not vaccinated ? there is a serious risk to any child who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.?

 

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Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 371 cases; 41 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 371 cases; 41 hospitalized

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8182472.stm


Merthyr measles outbreak inquiry

Measles vaccination
People who have not had the MMR jab are being urged to come forward

An outbreak of measles among children on a housing estate in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales is under investigation.

Twelve cases have been reported in the last two weeks on the Gellideg estate and more are suspected.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) for Wales said none of those who are ill have had the MMR vaccine.

Wales is currently undergoing the most serious outbreak of measles since the jab was introduced with 371 cases reported in 20 of its 22 counties.

The NPHS is urging parents whose children are not vaccinated against the potentially fatal illness to take action immediately.

They have written to GPs across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf to ask them to look out for patients with symptoms and to help encourage people to get vaccinated.


Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for the NPHS, said: "This is the first true cluster of measles that we have seen in Merthyr for many years.

"It is affecting children of both primary and secondary school age and we are concerned that the outbreak will quickly spread beyond the estate.

"Given the alarming increase in measles across Wales this year, we have continually urged parents to ensure their children have received the full two doses of the MMR vaccine, but parents in the Merthyr Tydfil area now need to take particular care to ensure their children are protected."

Children should have their first MMR vaccination at 13 months and the second at around three years and four months.

Anyone in Wales who should have received two doses of MMR but has missed out remains at risk of catching measles.

Red eyes

Dr Lowe added: "For as long as there are children who do not receive their MMR vaccinations, there is the potential for people to become ill with measles.

"It is a serious disease and sadly children do die from this infection. Complications are common and rarely can include brain damage."

"The people most at risk of catching measles are children of school age or children between the ages of one and four who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations.

"Although we are seeing cases of measles in adults, it is rare for anyone born before 1970 to catch measles."

Many people who catch measles will have a fever, cough, red eyes, and blocked nose and feel generally unwell. The blotchy rash appears a few days later beginning on the face and spreading downwards over several days.

Typically, people will be infectious from the day before their first symptoms until four to five days after the rash appears.

Dr Lowe said: "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 five days after the rash starts.

 

[silvergirl]

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 371 cases; 41 hospitalized

Re: Wales: Measles outbreak 2009 - 371 cases; 41 hospitalized

If they were vaxd does that mean it has mutated-by those who havent been vaxd - and now those who vaxd are threatened with a new form?