Swansea, Wales measles outbreak reaches 620 cases
With no apparent sign of slowing, the measles outbreak with its epicenter in the coastal city of Swansea, Wales has grown to 620 cases, according to a Public Health Wales (PHW) news release April 9.
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The outbreak prompted a surge of 1,700 children getting the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine (MMR) this past weekend.
Dr Marion Lyons, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “The response to the special vaccination clinics held in the Swansea area over the weekend was excellent, with a total of 1,726 children vaccinated.
“In addition, we know that more than 900 children received non-routine MMR vaccinations in GP surgeries last week.
“We are delighted to see parents responding so positively to the outbreak and understanding that measles can be a severe illness and two doses of MMR is the only protection. We need to see this level of response continuing in the coming weeks if we are to bring this outbreak under control.”
PHW said at least 6,000 children remain unvaccinated in the county of Swansea and parents, carers and communities continue to be urged to ensure that all children receive the two doses of the MMR vaccine needed to provide protection against measles.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
Prevention of measles is through vaccination.
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