Figures released by Public Health Wales today show that there have been seven new cases of measles in the Hywel Dda Health Board area in the last six days, bringing the total number of cases in Hywel Dda in 2013 to 81.

Meanwhile there has been a further increase in cases in the measles outbreak centred on the Swansea area, where 1,061 cases have been reported since the beginning of November 2012.

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “Seven new measles cases in just six days may not seem many but is a cause of concern when you consider how this compares to previous years. The simple, safe and effective way to stop measles is to have two MMR jabs.

“Parents appear to understand this well. The number who have contacted their GP or attended our drop-in clinic has been very encouraging.

“But there is still much to do. Young people, especially, are likely to have missed the MMR jabs when they were young and we know there are around 6000 in Hywel Dda between 10 and 18 years old who are under vaccinated and therefore vulnerable to measles. “Vaccination sessions are continuing in schools across the health board and I urge pupils and their parents to take advantage of these.”

Also, during Whitsun week between 27 May to 1 June, the Urdd National Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s biggest youth festivals that attracts around 100,000 visitors, will be held in Boncath in Pembrokeshire.

Teresa added: “The Urdd National Eisteddfod will attract a significant number of visitors to the county and we advise that anyone visiting, competing or working at the festival should be vaccinated immediately.

“Those who are not vaccinated and are exposed to measles are likely to catch it. Measles is highly contagious. We need everyone planning to or considering a visit to the event to think very seriously about the genuine risk of contracting measles and make the responsible decision to protect themselves and others from the disease.”

People aged between 10 and 18, are most likely to have missed out on routine MMR vaccination in the late 1990s due to fears about vaccine safety. The MMR vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organization, UK Department of Health and Public Health Wales as the most effective and safe way to protect children against measles.

To prevent the spread of the illness, Public Health Wales has issued the following advice:

  • If your child is unvaccinated make immediate arrangements with your GP for them to receive the MMR jab. This is even more important if your child has had contact with someone with measles.
  • If your child is unwell and you suspect it is measles you should contact your GP. Your child should not attend school or nursery for four days after the rash starts.
  • Telephone your GP surgery to inform them you or your child has a rash illness before attending, so that arrangements can be made in advance for minimising contact with other vulnerable patients.
  • Avoid going to A&E unless you are seriously ill, and if you do attend, telephone ahead to let them know you or your child may have measles.
  • Avoid contact with pregnant women, people with weak immune systems and babies who are too young to be vaccinated, as they are more vulnerable to infection and there are very few treatments available to help them if they do catch measles.
  • If any family members are pregnant, receiving chemotherapy, or aged under one, it is vital to ensure that all other family members are up to date with their MMR vaccination. Maternity wards, midwives and health visitors are being asked to share information with parents to encourage them to check the vaccination status of all children in the family to avoid further household spread amongst vulnerable groups.

Further information on measles, including a link to a video testimony from a mother whose three year old unvaccinated daughter contracted measles, is available at: www.publichealthwales.org/measles