Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8444624.stm
Page last updated at 19:11 GMT, Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Warning follows Craigavon measles outbreak (Northern Ireland)
MMR vaccine
The PHA is urging parents get their children vaccinated
There is an outbreak of measles in the Craigavon area of County Armagh.
The Public Health Agency has said about 10 cases have been reported among children and young people.
The agency said it was vital children are immunised with the MMR vaccine at 15 months and get their second dose at their pre-school check at age four.
The PHA's Dr Roger Smithson said: "It is important for our population to keep high uptake levels of the MMR vaccine to prevent the spread of infection."
He added: "In Northern Ireland we have had high uptake levels for MMR, which is why we have seen very few case of measles compared to both the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
"However, these cases remind us that there is no room for complacency."
About nine to 11 days after being in contact with the measles infection, the following symptoms begin to appear:
# Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and sneezing
# Red eyes and sensitivity to light
# A mild to severe temperature, which may peak over 40.6C (105F) for several days. Temperature may fall after several days, but may go up again when the rash appears;
# Tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat
# Tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy
# Aches and pains
# Poor appetite
# Dry cough
# Red-brown spotty rash that appears three to four days after first symptoms, and lasts for up to eight days. The spots usually start behind the ears, spread around the head and neck, and after 2-3 days spread to the legs and the rest of the body. The spots start small but quickly get bigger and often join up together. Similar looking rashes may be mistaken for measles, but measles has a range of symptoms, not just a rash
Most childhood rashes are not measles, but parents should consult their GP without delay if they suspect it is measles; symptoms worsen; the temperature increases to above 38?C and the temperature stays high after other symptoms have gone.
Page last updated at 19:11 GMT, Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Warning follows Craigavon measles outbreak (Northern Ireland)
MMR vaccine
The PHA is urging parents get their children vaccinated
There is an outbreak of measles in the Craigavon area of County Armagh.
The Public Health Agency has said about 10 cases have been reported among children and young people.
The agency said it was vital children are immunised with the MMR vaccine at 15 months and get their second dose at their pre-school check at age four.
The PHA's Dr Roger Smithson said: "It is important for our population to keep high uptake levels of the MMR vaccine to prevent the spread of infection."
He added: "In Northern Ireland we have had high uptake levels for MMR, which is why we have seen very few case of measles compared to both the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
"However, these cases remind us that there is no room for complacency."
About nine to 11 days after being in contact with the measles infection, the following symptoms begin to appear:
# Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and sneezing
# Red eyes and sensitivity to light
# A mild to severe temperature, which may peak over 40.6C (105F) for several days. Temperature may fall after several days, but may go up again when the rash appears;
# Tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat
# Tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy
# Aches and pains
# Poor appetite
# Dry cough
# Red-brown spotty rash that appears three to four days after first symptoms, and lasts for up to eight days. The spots usually start behind the ears, spread around the head and neck, and after 2-3 days spread to the legs and the rest of the body. The spots start small but quickly get bigger and often join up together. Similar looking rashes may be mistaken for measles, but measles has a range of symptoms, not just a rash
Most childhood rashes are not measles, but parents should consult their GP without delay if they suspect it is measles; symptoms worsen; the temperature increases to above 38?C and the temperature stays high after other symptoms have gone.
