Measles: Twenty new cases in south west Wales outbreak

Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccination

Twenty new cases of measles have been reported as part of an outbreak in south west Wales.

There have now been a reported 209 cases of the infection in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot since November.

Health officials are continuing to urge parents to ensure their children receive the MMR vaccination.

The majority of new cases are around Swansea but a smaller number have been reported across the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board area.

The 20 new cases have been reported since last Thursday.

Dr Marion Lyons, director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said measles was a very contagious disease that would be contracted by 90% of unvaccinated people who came into contact with cases.

"Parents can easily protect their children by having them immunised with the MMR vaccine," she said.

"After completing a two-dose course of MMR, 99 per cent of children will be protected against measles.

Typical symptoms of measles include fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a rash.

Complications are quite common even in healthy people, and around 20% of reported measles cases experience one or more complication.

These can include ear infections, vomiting and diarrhoea, pneumonia, meningitis and serious eye disorders.