Wales: Measles outbreak in Gwent rises to 17
Public Health Wales reports cases in the Gwent measles outbreak have risen to 17, up from nine cases announced at the end of April.
This has prompted health officials to remind parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine
The new confirmed cases are in people who have been identified as close contacts of previous cases, rather than resulting from further spread in the community. No new cases have been identified since 20 May.
Beverley Griggs, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales and Chair of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team, said:
“Thanks to the support of parents and carers in Gwent, we have not seen extensive spread of measles in the community during this outbreak.
“However, to prevent further transmission of the virus, and to protect the most vulnerable in our community, it’s important that everyone eligible has both doses of the MMR vaccine.
“We are also taking this opportunity to remind parents and carers that they should ensure their children are fully vaccinated ahead of attending mass events during the summer. We know that measles transmits easily when people are in close proximity to one another.
“People should also ensure they get vaccinated if they are travelling abroad, especially to countries where measles vaccination rates are lower.