Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Health&F=1&id=16095
Mumps increase in Anglesey and Gwynedd
22/1/2009
The National Public Health Service for Wales is urging people to make sure they have received the MMR vaccination as it monitors an increase in cases of mumps in Anglesey and Gwynedd.
Sixteen cases of suspected mumps have been reported in the two counties since 27 December. Fifteen of those with symptoms of mumps have received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella infections and is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
Dr Judy Hart, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, NPHS, said: ?The MMR vaccine is extremely effective in protecting against measles and rubella, with 99 per cent of those who have received two doses protected for many years.
?However, while it is still very effective compared to other vaccines, MMR does not provide such high levels of protection against the mumps infection compared to measles and rubella.
?One dose of MMR protects around 65 per cent of those who receive it against mumps, with a second dose of MMR improving immunity to around 85 per cent of recipients. So it is possible to see mumps in individuals who have been vaccinated with MMR, although this is not common.
?MMR uptake is very high on Anglesey so most school children are protected.
?However young people aged 16 and over were too old to have received a routine second dose of MMR before school entry when it was introduced in 1996. They are more likely to be susceptible to mumps and require a second dose now. ?
Mumps is spread by coughs and sneezes and directly through close personal contact. Symptoms include swelling on the angle of the jaw (parotitis) on one or both sides of the face. This may be preceded by several days of general symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Anyone with these symptoms should see their GP or family doctor and stay away from school or work until five days after the start of the swelling when they are no longer infectious.
Dr Hart added: ?Anyone in a school or community where mumps cases are reported who have not already been fully immunised with two doses of MMR should be vaccinated immediately. There is no upper age limit for vaccination and individuals should discuss vaccination with their Practice Nurse or GP.?
The NPHS has sent letters to GPs in Anglesey and Gwynedd to alert them to the increase in suspected mumps.
Investigations are underway to establish any links between the cases and the NPHS will continue to monitor the situation.
Mumps increase in Anglesey and Gwynedd
22/1/2009
The National Public Health Service for Wales is urging people to make sure they have received the MMR vaccination as it monitors an increase in cases of mumps in Anglesey and Gwynedd.
Sixteen cases of suspected mumps have been reported in the two counties since 27 December. Fifteen of those with symptoms of mumps have received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella infections and is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
Dr Judy Hart, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, NPHS, said: ?The MMR vaccine is extremely effective in protecting against measles and rubella, with 99 per cent of those who have received two doses protected for many years.
?However, while it is still very effective compared to other vaccines, MMR does not provide such high levels of protection against the mumps infection compared to measles and rubella.
?One dose of MMR protects around 65 per cent of those who receive it against mumps, with a second dose of MMR improving immunity to around 85 per cent of recipients. So it is possible to see mumps in individuals who have been vaccinated with MMR, although this is not common.
?MMR uptake is very high on Anglesey so most school children are protected.
?However young people aged 16 and over were too old to have received a routine second dose of MMR before school entry when it was introduced in 1996. They are more likely to be susceptible to mumps and require a second dose now. ?
Mumps is spread by coughs and sneezes and directly through close personal contact. Symptoms include swelling on the angle of the jaw (parotitis) on one or both sides of the face. This may be preceded by several days of general symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
Anyone with these symptoms should see their GP or family doctor and stay away from school or work until five days after the start of the swelling when they are no longer infectious.
Dr Hart added: ?Anyone in a school or community where mumps cases are reported who have not already been fully immunised with two doses of MMR should be vaccinated immediately. There is no upper age limit for vaccination and individuals should discuss vaccination with their Practice Nurse or GP.?
The NPHS has sent letters to GPs in Anglesey and Gwynedd to alert them to the increase in suspected mumps.
Investigations are underway to establish any links between the cases and the NPHS will continue to monitor the situation.