Measles outbreak declared in Gwent with two new cases confirmed
Public Health Wales says it takes the total number of measles cases to four.
Public Health Wales has declared an outbreak of measles in Gwent after four cases of the disease were identified.
Two cases were identified in children last week, with Public Health Wales and the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board contacting parents, guardians and children who attended the Children’s Emergency Assessment Unit at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran over the Easter weekend.
Since that contact tracing took place, two more cases of measles were identified, leading to Public Health Wales to declare an outbreak.
Public Health Wales says all patients are receiving appropriate care.
In a statement, Beverley Griggs, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales and Chair of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team, said “Measles is a highly infectious disease, and cases have been rising across the UK and Europe in recent months, so this development is not unexpected.
“As a result of having clear evidence of spread from the initial case, we have declared an outbreak of measles in the Gwent area.
“We are identifying contacts of all cases and will contact them to provide advice on symptoms and what action to take if they need to seek medical advice. Where contacts are unimmunised, we will also request withdrawal from nursery, education or other high risk settings. This is a routine public health action to help prevent further cases of measles in those who are most at risk.
“Parents who are concerned about their child’s health can check the symptoms at the NHS 111 website
“If your child has a fever and a rash, it is really important that you telephone before arrival, or immediately notify staff on arrival at your GP surgery or other healthcare setting, so they can be promptly isolated and avoid any further transmission.”
Public Health Wales are also urging people to check their MMR vaccination status, and encouraging those who are not vaccinated against measles to do so.