Reassurance over measles outbreak

Oldham children are well protected against measles, despite a massive rise in infection rates nationally, according to the borough’s Director of Public Health, Alan Higgins.

The Health Protection Agency reminded parents of the importance of immunisation after it was announced that measles rates across Britain are 10 times higher than at this time last year.

National figures show there have been 334 confirmed cases so far this year, mostly in children and teenagers. Experts believe the infection is being brought in from France, Spain, Germany and Romania, where there are major outbreaks.

Mr Higgins said: “I am pleased to report that figures for confirmed cases of measles in Oldham for the first four months of this year are minimal.

“In addition the uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination in Oldham is excellent. Oldham is well protected.”

Mr Higgins added: “I echo the Health Protection Agency’s advice that measles is highly infectious and a potentially dangerous illness.

“It is important that people who may be at risk of measles are fully immunised.

“The vast majority of cases of measles nationally are among people who are unvaccinated so I would encourage anyone who has still not had the vaccine to contact their GP.”