Wales measles outbreak shoots up to 432, health officials urge vaccination
In just the past week, Public Health Wales has reported 116 cases of measles, bringing the total number in the current outbreak that centers around Swansea to 432, according to a Public Health Wales new release Tuesday.
Health officials say the number of cases have doubled in the past few weeks.
Although cases have been reported across Wales, the majority are in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Powys and Hywel Dda and Local Health Board areas. The outbreak of this highly infectious and potentially fatal virus shows no signs of fading.
The likelihood that unvaccinated children anywhere across the country will come into contact with those already infected is increasing every day. Those not vaccinated are highly likely to catch the disease and it is just a matter of time before a child is left with serious and permanent complications such as eye disorders, deafness or brain damage, or dies.
Public Health Wales is urging parents of all children aged between one and 18 in Wales who have not been fully vaccinated to contact their GP for advice and to arrange vaccination as soon as possible.
Dr Marion Lyons, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “Measles is now spreading at an alarming rate across areas of Wales. Worryingly there are still tens of thousands of susceptible children across Wales, yet our weekly monitoring of vaccination rates shows only a slight increase in numbers receiving MMR jabs.
“The risk to unvaccinated children in Wales is increasing as the disease spreads. You only need one or two people who haven’t had the vaccination in a community to put at risk babies, toddlers and anyone else who is vulnerable, such as children with leukaemia who cannot have the vaccination and pregnant women who haven’t been vaccinated.
“A simple and safe jab from your GP will protect your child’s health, could save their life, and will help protect other children too. It is the only precaution you can take at this time, and I would urge parents to contact their GP today to get their children’s MMR vaccinations up to date.”
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