NHS bosses are advising parents to check their children have had proper doses of the MMR vaccine after four cases of measles have been confirmed in Manchester.
Last month, Manchester was warned that a case of measles could spread after cases of the high-infectious virus was found in Leeds and Liverpool.
The two doses of MMR vaccine are required for each person to protect against measles, rubella, and mumps.
As quoted from the MEN, Dr Will welfare, Consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England (PHE), said: “Measles is a very infectious virus and can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools, if people have not been fully immunised.
[pullquote]“I would appeal to any parents who have not yet had their children vaccinated to get them protected as soon as possible through their GP.” [/pullquote]
“Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine for maximum protection. MMR not only protects them, but also limits the chances of the virus spreading more widely, for example to children who are too young to have the vaccine and to adults who may be more vulnerable to the disease. MMR is a highly effective and safe vaccine.”
Measles is a highly infectious and can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. Anyone with symptoms similar to below, is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for guidance on how to avoid the illness spreading.
The NHS measles page have warned of symptoms such as:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
- small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
Measles will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.
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