Parents and carers have been warned to be vigilant for symptoms of measles by clinicians at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust after an increase in cases in the Steel City.
The foundation is attempting to raise awareness in Sheffield for guardians to encourage them to get their children vaccinated.
The clinicians have advised that measles usually begins with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash which would start usually on the face or behind the ears a few days later.
Some sufferers are prone to getting small spots in their mouths.
Noreen West, Deputy Medical Director at Sheffield Children’s, said: “Measles is extremely infectious and can be serious for some people, although if your child has had each MMR jab, the likelihood they will catch it is very low.
“It can spread quickly and easily so, if you think anyone in your family has the symptoms of measles, please stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice.
“Please stay away from hospital emergency departments as you could spread the illness to vulnerable people.
“If it is absolutely necessary to bring your child into your GP surgery, a walk-in centre or a hospital emergency department. Do not use public transport to get there as you will risk infecting others.”
Government figures show that between January 1st and the 30th of September, this year, there were 149 cases of measles in England, proven by laboratory testing.
Ms West said: “As soon as you arrive please inform reception that you are infectious so that you can be kept away from other people to minimise the chances of the infection spreading.”
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine, used against: measles, mumps and, Rubella (German measles), which are highly infectious conditions that can easily spread.
She said: “The best way to prevent your children getting measles is to make sure they have their two MMR vaccines on time – the first at 1 year of age and the second at 3 years, 4 months.
“If you or your children missed these vaccines, it’s not too late. Ask for the free vaccine from your GP if you or your children aren’t up to date.”
NHS data for this year has shown that the UK government is failing to meet the World Health Organisation’s 95% coverage target in England, as the vaccination rate has fallen to the lowest level since 2010/2011.