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Source: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/t...45.0.parents_warned_over_measles_outbreak.php
Parents warned over measles outbreak
By Mark Chandler
PARENTS are being warned to immunise their children following a measles outbreak in Lewisham.
Lewisham Primary Care Trust director of public health Dr Chris Watts said one school has had 30 probable cases and six confirmed recently.
He said: "We have a major problem with measles in Lewisham.
"We have also had several cases in another school and in the community more widely."
Dr Watts said there had also been an outbreak in Lewisham Hospital's children's ward and all the hospital's staff were being checked and immunised.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever, cough, red and painful eyes, swollen glands and a loss of appetite, with sufferers usually developing a rash three to four days afterwards.
The PCT is advising parents at the school about what to do if their child develops signs of the illness and emphasising the importance and safety of the MMR vaccination.
Immunisation clinical coordinator at the trust Michael Corr said: "Unfortunately, much was written in the press about an alleged link between MMR and autism at the time some of the children we see infected now should have been immunised.
"This link has been discredited repeatedly and it has taken over 10 years for confidence in the MMR vaccine to grow again.
He said: "Unless at least 95 per cent of children in a community are immunised, the disease will spread easily and quickly.
"In Lewisham only 64 per cent of children are vaccinated against measles.
"In some parts of the borough, the coverage is much lower. This is the reason measles is spreading in Lewisham."
Children need two doses of MMR to protect them from measles, mumps and rubella.
Those aged from five to 16 who have not had the vaccine should be taken to their GP to be immunised.
Under-fives can be taken to their GP or a child health clinic and immunisation drop-in sessions for all age groups are also going to be organised by the trust.
Those affected should stay off school or work for five days from the onset of the rash.
Complications affect one in every 15 children and include chest infections, fits, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases brain damage.
In very serious cases, measles can be fatal.
For more information visit www.lewishampct.nhs.uk
If you have any questions about the vaccines, the disease, access to clinics or the outbreak call the Lewisham NHS Immunisation Helpline on 020 7138 1444.
Parents warned over measles outbreak
By Mark Chandler
PARENTS are being warned to immunise their children following a measles outbreak in Lewisham.
Lewisham Primary Care Trust director of public health Dr Chris Watts said one school has had 30 probable cases and six confirmed recently.
He said: "We have a major problem with measles in Lewisham.
"We have also had several cases in another school and in the community more widely."
Dr Watts said there had also been an outbreak in Lewisham Hospital's children's ward and all the hospital's staff were being checked and immunised.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever, cough, red and painful eyes, swollen glands and a loss of appetite, with sufferers usually developing a rash three to four days afterwards.
The PCT is advising parents at the school about what to do if their child develops signs of the illness and emphasising the importance and safety of the MMR vaccination.
Immunisation clinical coordinator at the trust Michael Corr said: "Unfortunately, much was written in the press about an alleged link between MMR and autism at the time some of the children we see infected now should have been immunised.
"This link has been discredited repeatedly and it has taken over 10 years for confidence in the MMR vaccine to grow again.
He said: "Unless at least 95 per cent of children in a community are immunised, the disease will spread easily and quickly.
"In Lewisham only 64 per cent of children are vaccinated against measles.
"In some parts of the borough, the coverage is much lower. This is the reason measles is spreading in Lewisham."
Children need two doses of MMR to protect them from measles, mumps and rubella.
Those aged from five to 16 who have not had the vaccine should be taken to their GP to be immunised.
Under-fives can be taken to their GP or a child health clinic and immunisation drop-in sessions for all age groups are also going to be organised by the trust.
Those affected should stay off school or work for five days from the onset of the rash.
Complications affect one in every 15 children and include chest infections, fits, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases brain damage.
In very serious cases, measles can be fatal.
For more information visit www.lewishampct.nhs.uk
If you have any questions about the vaccines, the disease, access to clinics or the outbreak call the Lewisham NHS Immunisation Helpline on 020 7138 1444.