THE DIRECTOR of Public Health for Worcestershire has urged people and parents across the county to make sure their and their children’s MMR vaccines are up-to-date after measles cases soared in the West Midlands.
Between October 1 and January 12, there were 167 confirmed cases (including four travel-related) and a further 88 likely cases.
Around 80 per cent of cases were in Birmingham and 10 per cent were in Coventry.
Lisa McNally said the full vaccination rates for the MMR in Worcestershire were among the highest in the region, but added: “There is a minority of children, and some adults, not vaccinated – and so they are at risk of serious illness.”
UKHSA health professionals are concerned figures will rise quickly as, while most parents ensure their children get both MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) doses, in some communities uptake of the MMR vaccine is worryingly low which has led to the spread.
Measles spreads very easily among those unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, and is a nasty illness. In some children it can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases causes death.
Babies, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.
Measles usually appears as a rash a few days after cold-like symptoms. It starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The person’s arms, chest and tummy are almost completely covered with red, blotchy patches. The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not usually itchy.
Anyone who suspects they or a loved one has measles or has been in close contact with someone who has it should contact their GP – particularly if they have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
People should also seek medical attention if they have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy.
People with weakened immune systems who think they have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles should contact their GP.
Those with measles should stay off nursery, school or work for at least four days. After seeing a GP, they should rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can relive high temperatures but do not give asprin to children under 16.
And use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from eyes.
Stay away from nursery, school or work for at least four days.
The two MMR doses offer 99 per cent lifelong protection.
Visit nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ for more on measles from the NHS,
