Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/display...tentPK=20682368&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047
CITY ON MEASLES ALERT
14:07 - 21 May 2008
Parents in Bath are being urged to get their children vaccinated following the first measles outbreak to hit the city in eight years.
Last week three children, aged one and two, were confirmed as suffering from the illness, with two others of the same age suspected of having picked up the infection.
All the affected children, who had been in contact with each other, are recovering well from the infection.
This is the first outbreak of the viral infection in Bath for eight years although there was an isolated case reported in 2004.
The Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Health Protection Unit and the Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust have been working closely with the families involved since confirmation of the cases.
The risk of measles spreading to unvaccinated children in Bath and surrounding area has been increasing since other parts of the country, notably London, the south east and east of England, began reporting a significant rise in the number of cases, particularly in the last year.
While a mild infection for most, measles can cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women.
Health chiefs have not said how the latest cases are linked.
Dr Charles Irish, from the health protection unit, said: "Measles is a very infectious bug. With the large number of cases in and around London, it's really only been a matter of time before Bath had an outbreak of measles.
"Now that it has arrived, we've got the chance to act quickly to minimise the spread of this infection.
"I'd appeal to any parents who have not yet had their children vaccinated to get them protected as soon as possible.
"While most people who catch measles will recover completely within a couple of weeks, it's important to remember measles can be a very serious illness that can leave permanent disability, and even kill in rare circumstances.
"This outbreak has affected some children who were not quite old enough to have their scheduled MMR vaccination. Thankfully they are well, but the outbreak shows that the virus can easily circulate if not enough children are immunised to protect them and the wider community."
Uptake of MMR vaccine has increased in B &NES in recent years from 76 per cent in 2004/05 to 87 per cent in 2007/08 for two-year-olds.
But the World Health Organisation target is at least 95 per cent.
Dr Kieran Morgan, director of public health for B &NES, said: "All local parents need to be aware that this infection is back among us and we can do something to stop it spreading. We really need to have over 95 per cent of our children fully vaccinated to stop measles in its tracks.
"MMR is a highly effective, safe vaccine which is given to children in two doses - one when they are aged 13 months and one from three years and four months of age, although this second dose can be given earlier."
Symptoms of measles can include fever, a cough, red and painful eyes, swollen glands, loss of appetite and a rash which tends to follow three to four days after the other symptoms.
Those affected should drink lots of clear fluid, and take paracetamol to reduce fever.
People should also stay away from work or school for at least five days.
Complications from measles are quite common and can include a severe cough and breathing difficulties (croup), ear infections, viral and bacterial lung infections (pneumonia), and eye infections (conjunctivitis).
Very rarely the illness can cause inflammation of the brain or a progressive brain infection, SSPE (subacute sclerosing pan-encephalomyelitis) which is fatal.
Measles infection during pregnancy can result in the loss or early birth of the baby.
Anyone wanting to check their child's immunisation history or book an appointment for immunisation should contact their GP surgery
GPs in Bath have been alerted and asked to look out for children with the symptoms of measles.
Anyone concerned about the signs or symptoms of measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct 0845 4647.
CITY ON MEASLES ALERT
14:07 - 21 May 2008
Parents in Bath are being urged to get their children vaccinated following the first measles outbreak to hit the city in eight years.
Last week three children, aged one and two, were confirmed as suffering from the illness, with two others of the same age suspected of having picked up the infection.
All the affected children, who had been in contact with each other, are recovering well from the infection.
This is the first outbreak of the viral infection in Bath for eight years although there was an isolated case reported in 2004.
The Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Health Protection Unit and the Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust have been working closely with the families involved since confirmation of the cases.
The risk of measles spreading to unvaccinated children in Bath and surrounding area has been increasing since other parts of the country, notably London, the south east and east of England, began reporting a significant rise in the number of cases, particularly in the last year.
While a mild infection for most, measles can cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women.
Health chiefs have not said how the latest cases are linked.
Dr Charles Irish, from the health protection unit, said: "Measles is a very infectious bug. With the large number of cases in and around London, it's really only been a matter of time before Bath had an outbreak of measles.
"Now that it has arrived, we've got the chance to act quickly to minimise the spread of this infection.
"I'd appeal to any parents who have not yet had their children vaccinated to get them protected as soon as possible.
"While most people who catch measles will recover completely within a couple of weeks, it's important to remember measles can be a very serious illness that can leave permanent disability, and even kill in rare circumstances.
"This outbreak has affected some children who were not quite old enough to have their scheduled MMR vaccination. Thankfully they are well, but the outbreak shows that the virus can easily circulate if not enough children are immunised to protect them and the wider community."
Uptake of MMR vaccine has increased in B &NES in recent years from 76 per cent in 2004/05 to 87 per cent in 2007/08 for two-year-olds.
But the World Health Organisation target is at least 95 per cent.
Dr Kieran Morgan, director of public health for B &NES, said: "All local parents need to be aware that this infection is back among us and we can do something to stop it spreading. We really need to have over 95 per cent of our children fully vaccinated to stop measles in its tracks.
"MMR is a highly effective, safe vaccine which is given to children in two doses - one when they are aged 13 months and one from three years and four months of age, although this second dose can be given earlier."
Symptoms of measles can include fever, a cough, red and painful eyes, swollen glands, loss of appetite and a rash which tends to follow three to four days after the other symptoms.
Those affected should drink lots of clear fluid, and take paracetamol to reduce fever.
People should also stay away from work or school for at least five days.
Complications from measles are quite common and can include a severe cough and breathing difficulties (croup), ear infections, viral and bacterial lung infections (pneumonia), and eye infections (conjunctivitis).
Very rarely the illness can cause inflammation of the brain or a progressive brain infection, SSPE (subacute sclerosing pan-encephalomyelitis) which is fatal.
Measles infection during pregnancy can result in the loss or early birth of the baby.
Anyone wanting to check their child's immunisation history or book an appointment for immunisation should contact their GP surgery
GPs in Bath have been alerted and asked to look out for children with the symptoms of measles.
Anyone concerned about the signs or symptoms of measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct 0845 4647.