16/04/2013

Swansea Measles Outbreak 'Could Continue For Weeks'

As health officials warn that the outbreak could continue for weeks, the number of measles cases in Swansea has now reached 765.

The total has increased by another 72 cases since last Thursday, with 77 people being hospitalised since the start of the outbreak in November.

As Health Minister Mark Drakeford said the only way to halt the outbreak was to ensure those who need the MMR vaccination got it, Conservative opponents have accused the Welsh government of responding slowly to the epidemic.

Last weekend, around 1,750 people received the MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccination at special clinics held in four hospitals.

Mr Drakeford said: "It is encouraging that parents are continuing to bring their children forward but the numbers need to be higher to bring the outbreak under control."

(H/CD)




Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 April 2013
Measles Outbreak Now Over 800 Cases
The ongoing measles outbreak in Swansea has now increased to 808 cases. 43 more cases of the disease have been reported since Tuesday, Public Health Wales (PHW) has said. An MMR vaccination campaign was launched in schools in parts of mid and south Wales, but local health officials have said the campaign had got off to a "disappointing" start.
31 May 2013
Wales' Measles Epidemic 'Is Slowing Down'
Medics in Swansea have said the measles epidemic in the town is now slowing. However, they added that there are still too many young people not protected against the disease. According to Public Health Wales (PHW), six new cases have been reported since Tuesday, taking the number of cases in the outbreak to 1,158 since November.
09 April 2013
Swansea Measles Outbreak At Over 600 Cases
A measles outbreak in Swansea has reached 620 cases, as health officials warn there is no sign of the epidemic coming to an end. Latest figures show around 15 to 20 new cases being reported every day, and an increase of 32 cases last Friday alone.
03 April 2013
Measles Outbreak Prompts 'Extra Jab' Call
An outbreak of measles has prompted Public Health Wales (PHW) to offer some babies the MMR vaccine seven months early. The recommendation comes after more than 400 people in Swansea were affected by the illness. In some cases, the early vaccination means children would receive three doses of MMR rather than the usual two.
08 August 2003
Concern grows over measles resurgence
Health experts have expressed fears that the decline in uptake of MMR vaccination could lead to a serious measles outbreak in the near future. A paper published in the most recent edition of Science Journal looks at the risk of measles re-establishing itself in this country and becoming an endemic disease.