Download Measles-information

Dear reader,
What is measles?
Actions being taken
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg
University Health Board and
its partners wanted to
provide residents with an
update on the measles
outbreak currently centred
around the Swansea area.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness
There is a programme of
vaccination sessions being
held in comprehensive
schools in the ABMU area,
starting in Swansea and
moving to NPT & Bridgend.
The numbers involved in the
outbreak are increasing at
an alarming rate and
experts fear that the risk of
someone who contracts
measles having a serious
complication such as an eye
disorder, deafness, brain
damage or even death is
increasing with every case.
around 4 days after the cold like
Of particular concern are
those who are not
vaccinated particularly those
aged between 10 and 18
years where we have seen
large numbers of cases.
There are some frequently
asked questions on the
reverse which you may find
useful along with some
advice for looking after
someone with measles.
caught through direct contact with an
infected person or through the air via
droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cold-like
symptoms, fatigue, conjunctivitis and a
distinctive red-brown rash which starts
symptoms.
Current Situation
There are currently almost 1,000 cases
of measles associated with this outbreak.
The epicentre of the outbreak continues
to be the Swansea area but there are
many cases across Neath Port Talbot and
Bridgend.
The outbreak shows no signs of going
away with large numbers of cases
reported daily. Experts warn that the
outbreak may continue for some time
Dr Sara Hayes
and the only effective way to protect
Director of Public Health
yourself or your children is to ensure
that they are vaccinated.
Community vaccination
sessions are being held in
4 locations (Morriston
Hospital, Singleton
Hospital, Princess of Wales
Hospital and Neath and
Port Talbot Hospital). The
sessions are being run
between 10 am until 4pm
on 18th May.
GP’s are vaccinating in
their surgeries wherever
possible and offering
advice to concerned
patients and relatives.
All involved are working
hard to bring the outbreak
under control however the
best way to protect against
measles is through 2 MMR
vaccinations – anyone
born after 1970 who has
not had either measles
infection or 2 MMR
vaccinations should be
vaccinated.
Frequently Asked Questions - MMR and Measles
1. What if I think a family member has measles?
They need to contact their GP to get a diagnosis but it is advised that they telephone
them before attending so that arrangements can be made in advance for minimising
contact with other patients.
2. Will everyone get measles?
Measles is only spread to those who are susceptible to it so if people have had
measles disease or 2 MMR vaccinations they are not at risk of catching it. If someone
has not or cannot remember and were born after 1970 then they should check with
their GP, but if in doubt they should get vaccinated either at the GP, at a community
drop in centre or at a school vaccination session.
3. Why 1970?
That’s the date before which we know that measles was circulating widely and the
vast majority of people born before this time would have been exposed to and had
the disease.
4. Who is most at risk in this outbreak?
The largest number of cases are in children under 3 years who are too young to have
previously had 2MMR’s and children between the ages of 10 to 18 years whose
parents opted out of getting them vaccinated. Any child who is not up to date with
their vaccinations should have an MMR vaccination as soon as possible.
5. Can adults be vaccinated with MMR?
Yes, the MMR vaccine can be given to individuals of any age over 6 months.
However, those women who are known to be pregnant should not receive MMR.
6. How many MMR vaccinations should a child/adult have?
In order to ensure maximum protection against measles they should have 2 MMR
injections. Both these injections are identical but one dose will only provide 90%
protection. If both vaccinations have been received there is 99% protection.
7. Can you catch measles from the MMR vaccine?
A small number of people will experience mild symptoms of the disease following
vaccination. This is due to the body responding to the measles vaccine and building
its immune response. People who experience these mild symptoms are not infectious
to others.
8. What if someone can’t remember whether they have been vaccinated and
end up having 3 or 4 doses of the MMR vaccine?
It will do them no harm. Only two are needed to provide 99% protection but if in
doubt of previous vaccinations, they should have the two doses.
9. What is the treatment for measles?
There is no specific treatment for measles. Treatments are aimed at relieving the
symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective as measles is caused by a virus.
10.If a family member gets measles, how long should they stay off
school/work?
Children/adults should stay off school/work for 4 days after the rash first appeared.
11.What can I do to protect my family?
Check their vaccination status – those born after 1970 who have not had either
measles or 2 MMR vaccinations should get vaccinated. Measles is a very serious
illness which can be fatal. The most effective way to protect your family is through 2
MMR vaccinations.
Further information can be found at; www.abm.wales.nhs.uk
Advice for looking after someone with measles
There's no specific treatment for measles, treatment should be based on
alleviating symptoms. As measles is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective
although these may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection
develops. The patient’s immune system should fight off infection within a couple
of weeks. If there are no complications due to measles, the symptoms will
usually disappear within 7-10 days.
If someone has measles, there are several things you can do to help make them
feel more comfortable, including:
 Give them plenty of liquids: This will help prevent dehydration. Give
them water, juice, or broth instead of sports drinks. They may need an
oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of water,
salts, and sugar your child needs to replace body fluids.
 Pain relief: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen if necessary to relieve fever,
aches and pains – liquid forms are available for children. Do not
give aspirin to children under the age of 16. You must follow the dosage
instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the
recommended dose.
 Help them rest: They should rest as much as possible and get plenty of
sleep.
 Use a humidifier: A cool mist humidifier will help loosen the mucus in
their throat and make it easier to breathe. It may also soothe their cough.
Alternatively, placing a bowl of water in the room will make the
atmosphere more humid, which can help to relieve a cough.
 Give them healthy foods: Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables,
whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish.
This will help them feel better and have more energy. If they are not
hungry or get tired easily, they may want to try smaller amounts more
often.
 Protect their eyes: Keep the lights dim and close the curtains or give
them sunglasses to wear. This will help decrease pain caused by
sensitivity to light.
 Clean their eyes: Use damp cotton wool to clean away any crustiness
around the eyes. Use one piece of cotton wool per wipe for each eye.
Gently clean the eye from inner to outer lid.
 Avoid the spread of germs: Ensure they keep away from others. They
will need to stay home from work, school or daycare until four days from
the start of the rash.
A doctor should be consulted if following a diagnosis of measles you are
concerned about a deterioration in their condition. As measles is highly
contagious, you should ring ahead to the health care setting where you are
taking them, so that arrangements can be made to limit their contact with other
patients. Hospital treatment may be required if serious complications develop.