Sharp rise in measles in Gloucestershire (From Cotswold Journal)

Sharp rise in measles in Gloucestershire

3:50pm Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Freya Leng

PARENTS in Gloucestershire are being asked to check the MMR vaccination history of their children following a sharp rise in measles.

Health professionals are asking parents and adults - specifically those born after 1988 when the jab was introduced - to check their children have received the required two doses of MMR.

The advice follows 62 confirmed cases in the county between October 2012 and January 2013. This is a significant rise compared to the previous two years in the county - in 2011 less than five confirmed cases were reported for the whole year.

Figures from the Health Protection Agency show that measles is on the increase not just in Gloucestershire, but across England and Wales.

Measles is caused by a very infectious virus which typically causes rash, cold-like symptoms, cough, red eyes and high fever.

The safest and most effective way to prevent measles is to ensure your child has received the routine two doses of the MMR vaccination.

Anyone who needs advice or is not sure about their vaccination history should contact the practice nurse at their GP practice.