A measles outbreak has been declared in Gwent. Two new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to four since 21 March.
Public Health Wales and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board are investigating and say the four cases are “linked through attendance at a healthcare setting on 21 March”.
Contacts of the infected children have been traced and given advice about what action to take and information about the signs and symptoms of measles.
Beverley Griggs, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales and chair of the multi-agency outbreak control team, said: “Measles is a highly infectious disease, and cases have been rising across the UK and Europe in recent months, so this development is not unexpected.
“As a result of having clear evidence of spread from the initial case, we have declared an outbreak of measles in the Gwent area.
“We are identifying contacts of all cases and will contact them to provide advice on symptoms and what action to take if they need to seek medical advice.
“Where contacts are unimmunised, we will also request withdrawal from nursery, education or other high risk settings. This is a routine public health action to help prevent further cases of measles in those who are most at risk.
“Parents who are concerned about their child’s health can check the symptoms at the NHS 111 website.
“If your child has a fever and a rash, it is really important that you telephone before arrival, or immediately notify staff on arrival at your GP surgery or other healthcare setting, so they can be promptly isolated and avoid any further transmission.”
Measles can be prevented by the MMR vaccine. Public Health Wales urged parents to check the MMR vaccine status of their child. They can do this by checking their child’s red book or visiting their local health board’s website.
MMR Information
Visit the Public Health Wales website for more information on MMR.