Latest news with #MumpsandRubella
South Wales Argus
10 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
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.
STV News
4 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Measles cases rising in Scotland amid global outbreak
Public health experts in Scotland say cases of measles are on the rise amid a global outbreak. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. As of July 9, there have been 27 cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in Scotland in 2025. Measles can be very serious, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. It comes amid a global rise in cases, including in England, where outbreaks continue. In recent days, a child died at a hospital in Liverpool having contracted measles. Cases of Measles are on the rise across the world, so we encourage everyone to make sure you have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at PHS, tells us more 🔽 — Public Health Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) July 14, 2025 Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles, say experts. The first dose is offered to children between 12 and 13 months, and the second dose is offered at three years and four months. If missed at these times, it can be given at any age. Uptake of MMR has declined across the UK in recent years, and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age. Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated. Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at PHS, said: 'Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for some people. 'We've seen a modest decline in vaccination rates in Scotland over the last decade, which is a concern as measles can spread quickly in communities where vaccination rates are low. 'That's why we're encouraging anyone who hasn't had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, to visit the NHS Inform website and find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area. 'We would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure that you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
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First Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
US faces worst measles outbreak in decades amid falling vaccination rates under Trump
More than two-thirds of states have reported at least one case, with 27 outbreaks identified nationwide. Three deaths have occurred, two unvaccinated children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, with dozens hospitalised read more A measles alert sign hangs outside the entrance to the Cohen Children's Medical Center, in New Hyde Park, New York, US, March 14, 2025. File Image/Reuters The US is currently witnessing its worst year of measles outbreak since 1992, as the country has recorded 1,288 cases so far, the highest in three decades, according to the latest figures from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than two-thirds of states have reported at least one case, with 27 outbreaks (three or more related cases) identified nationwide. Three deaths have occurred, two unvaccinated children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, with dozens hospitalised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The origins of the outbreak Since the beginning of 2025, almost all states have reported measles patients; however, the caseload is in Texas, which has recorded the biggest outbreak of the disease with 753 measles cases this year. The outbreak in Texas began in January, with the state reporting 15 to 20 new cases of measles per day, raising fears among health officials that the country might lose its 'elimination' status. The elimination status means that a disease has not surfaced in a country or region for 12 months or longer. More from Health Why measles cases have hit a 33-year high in the US Vaccine hesitancy The vast majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals; 92 per cent of confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose status was unknown. Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infectious disease physician in New York City, told NPR that vaccination among kindergarten children has dropped significantly. 'What we're seeing now is, as vaccine hesitancy has grown, particularly during and after the COVID pandemic, those outbreaks are becoming more frequent and larger,' he said. Vaccine hesitancy has increased post-pandemic, with declining MMR coverage among children now below the 95 per cent herd immunity threshold. A Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the most effective shots, with a single shot giving 93 per cent protection from infection, and two doses up to 98 per cent. RFK Jr to be blamed? Recent changes in federal health leadership and messaging, including the appointment of vaccine sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr, have contributed to public confusion and resistance to immunisation efforts. A number of leading health organisations in the US are suing RFK over his recent changes in the country's vaccine policy. Kennedy has announced that pregnant women and healthy children will be removed from the COVID-19 vaccine schedule.
1News
10-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
Three confirmed measles cases in the Wairarapa
Three connected measles cases have been confirmed in the Wairarapa region, Health New Zealand says. The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is supporting the cases and their close contacts who are isolating to help prevent further spread. Medical Officer of Health in the Greater Wellington region, Dr Annette Nesdale, said all three confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas where they are thought to have caught the virus, but were not infectious on their return flight to New Zealand. One of the cases visited two locations during their infectious period, including Pak'nSave Masterton between 8.30am and 11am on Tuesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 3; and the Carterton Library between 10am and 12.30pm on Thursday, July 3. "Anyone who visited either location on the day and times referenced, are considered casual contacts and should monitor themselves for symptoms,' Dr Nesdale said. ADVERTISEMENT 'We also urge anyone in the region who has recently returned from an overseas trip, to be watchful for measles symptoms.' Measles symptoms include an illness that begins with a high fever (over 38C); a cough; runny nose; sore red eyes (conjunctivitis); and a rash beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week. "Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, which can affect adults as well as children and babies,' Dr Nesdale said. 'Please phone ahead before visiting your doctor or healthcare provider so the provider can take precautions to prevent measles spreading. 'Getting immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles. 'This latest case is a timely reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles.' The MMR vaccine is free in New Zealand for anyone 18 years or under, and for people who are eligible for free healthcare.
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Three measles cases in Wairarapa
Measles is a highly infectious illness which affects people of all ages. Symptoms include a rash that may begin on the face before spreading. (file) Three cases of measles have been confirmed in the Wairarapa region, Health New Zealand says. Dr Annette Nesdale, the Medical Officer of Health in the Greater Wellington region, said the people had recently travelled overseas where they are thought to have caught the virus, but were not infectious on their return flight to New Zealand. Locations of interest have been released, including a supermarket and a library in Wairarapa. Measles is a highly infectious illness which can affect people of all ages. Health NZ said the cases and their close contacts were isolating to prevent further spread. One affected person visited two locations in Wairarapa while infectious on these dates: • Tuesday, July 1: Pak'n Save Masterton, 424 Queen St, Masterton - Between 8.30am to 11am. • Thursday, July 3 : Pak'n Save Masterton, 424 Queen St, Masterton - Between 8.30am to 11am. • Thursday, July 3: Carterton Library, 50 Holloway St, Carterton - Between 10am to 12.30pm. HNZ urged anyone who visited the supermarket or library on these days and times to monitor themselves for symptoms. They included: an illness that began with high fever, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes. A rash may begin on the face and spread down the body to arms and legs. This can last for up to one week. HNZ also asked anyone in the region who had recently returned from overseas to watch for measles symptoms. "Getting immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (after the age of 12 months) is the best form of protection against measles," Nesdale said. "This latest case is a timely reminder for everyone to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles."
