Dear Parent/Guardian
Re: Measles in the South East Wales area
You may have already seen or heard some information in the news, and we are writing to inform you that Public Health Wales are aware that measles is currently circulating in South East Wales.
Measles is highly infectious and is generally spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes.
Early symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- cough
- conjunctivitis (painful, red eyes)
- and sometimes small white spots on the inside of the mouth.
A red, blotchy rash appears approximately 3 to 4 days later which usually begins on the face and spreads down over the rest of the body.
If your child develops symptoms they should be kept home from nursery / school and social events such as clubs and birthday parties.
We urge parents not to take children who appear to have symptoms of measles to the GP surgery, A&E department or hospital, where they could put other people at risk, without calling ahead first.
If you suspect your child has measles you should contact your GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for an assessment.
MMR vaccination is the best means of providing protection against measles. If children have not had the full course of two MMR vaccines they may not be fully protected. Please contact your GP to arrange a vaccination.
General information on measles disease may be obtained from the website http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/y/article/Yfrechgoch/?locale=en
Information on MMR vaccination is available at http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/doityourself/vaccinations/MMR?locale =en
Yours sincerely Dr Rhianwen Stiff
Consultant in Communicable Control