Measles cases rise as outbreak reaches 17

PHW is urging parents and carers to get both doses of the MMR vaccine

Measles cases have risen to 17 in an outbreak in south east Wales.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said cases in Torfaen, Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent have increased from the nine which were announced at the end of April.

The new confirmed cases are close contacts of the previous cases, rather than the result from a spread in the community.

PHW is reminding parents and carers to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated.

Early symptoms include a high temperature, cough, runny nose and painful, red eyes. Small white spots inside the mouth can also be an indicator.

No new cases have been identified since 20 May.

Beverley Griggs of PHW and chair of the multi-agency outbreak control team urged everyone eligible to have both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

“We are also taking this opportunity to remind parents and carers that they should ensure their children are fully vaccinated ahead of attending mass events during the summer.

"We know that measles transmits easily when people are in close proximity to one another.

“People should also ensure they get vaccinated if they are travelling abroad, especially to countries where measles vaccination rates are lower," she said.