Health professionals in the North West are urging parents to ensure their children receive the MMR jab, following a measles outbreak in Salford.
Four cases of measles being confirmed in the city, with an additional 23 cases of individuals with symptoms similar to measles.
In a statement issued by NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dr Tom Tasker, a GP and chair of NHS Salford CCG, said: “Anyone who has not had two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination is at risk, and children are especially vulnerable.
“But it’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood illness and it’s never too late to have the vaccine.
“If you’ve not received two doses of the vaccine in the past or you’re unsure, speak to your GP practice. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose where there is any uncertainty.”
Measles is a notifiable disease meaning that Public Health England (PHE) must be informed of every case found as a measles outbreak could lead to further infections.
Children aged between 12 and 13 months should be given the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine followed by another injection at the pre-school age of three.
In 2018, a series of oral fluid testing performed by PHE found that 10.2% of 657 people tested positive for the disease in the UK.
For those concerned about contracting the disease following the measles outbreak, symptoms to look out for are:
- A fine, red/brown rash
- Sore eyes
- Coughing
- aching
Symptoms that may be found in infants are all of the above as well as:
- Becoming irritable
- Mouth sores
Further information can be found here
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