Warrington Borough Council’s public health team is urging local people to check that they and their children have had the MMR vaccine that protects against measles.
With measles on the increase in Cheshire and Merseyside it is particularly important for people to make sure they are vaccinated.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread through coughing and sneezing. It can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death.
Measles symptoms to be aware of include:
- high fever
- sore, red, watery eyes
- coughing
- small greyish-white spots in the mouth
- aching and feeling generally unwell
- a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.
Measles is highly contagious and being in close contact with someone who has the virus is enough to catch it if you are not vaccinated. Just one person can pass the virus on to 15-20 people if they are in close proximity for a short period of time.
If you suspect you or your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not go directly to the GP surgery as measles is highly infectious. Do not send children to school or childcare if you think they have measles.
Measles isn’t just a just a childhood disease – it can make adults seriously unwell too. People in certain risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.
The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine (dose 1 from 12 months, and dose 2 from 3 years 4 months) is the best way to protect you and help prevent it spreading, especially to those most vulnerable.
If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment. Alternatively, the Living Well Bus will be providing free MMR vaccinations at various locations across Warrington. No appointment is necessary. To find out where the Living Well Bus will be located, visit the Living Well Service website.
Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “With measles cases increasing in Cheshire and Merseyside, it’s vital that we send out the message to urge everyone to check your children’s as well as your own MMR status and ensure that you have had both doses.
“If you are not protected, please take action now. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones and prevent the illness spreading further.”
For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website
