Measles Outbreak Declared in Merseyside

Manx parents urged to get their children vaccinated.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has declared an outbreak of measles in Merseyside following 13 confirmed and 16 suspected cases. Six people required hospital treatment.

Advice to the general public:

1. Please ensure your child is vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella). Do not be tempted to give single vaccines; they are not licensed or approved by regulatory authorities in the UK and may not offer protection.

2. Measles is NOT a trivial childhood infection; 6 people in Merseyside required hospital treatment. Complications of measles can have long term consequences.

3. If you are visiting Merseyside during half term holidays and your child has not had the full course of MMR, appreciate the risk for your child. Measles is one of the most contagious disease. If on return your child develops symptoms of measles (fever, skin rash), please seek medical advice.