19-07-2025
Gwent public health official issues warning about measles
Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health for Gwent, described measles as a serious and potentially fatal illness, highlighting the importance of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine in keeping communities safe.
'Measles is very serious and can be fatal. It can make children very sick and lead to further complications which could result in hospitalisation,' she said. 'The best form of protection is the MMR vaccine.'
Local health data now shows a promising 94.7% of children in Gwent have received their first MMR dose, but only 88.4% have completed the recommended second dose. Daszkiewicz is calling on families to act without delay.
'It is important that all children have the full course of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are protected from serious illness,' she said. 'It is never too late to catch up, whether you are a child or an adult.'
Gwent residents can access vaccinations by walking into the local Vaccination Centre, contacting their GP, or speaking with the School Nursing team.
Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, sore, watery eyes. These are followed a few days later by a rash, and in some cases, small white spots may appear inside the mouth.
Health officials advise anyone who suspects measles to seek an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111.
