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Measles case confirmed in north Wales

A child with measles with an oral themometerImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

The case comes about a month after an outbreak was declared in south-east Wales

  • Published

A case of measles has been identified in a person who attended a hospital in north Wales.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said the person, who lives in England, went to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

It said close contacts of the case had been contacted and urged people to check their vaccination records.

The case comes about a month after an outbreak was declared in south-east Wales.

What is measles?

Early symptoms of the disease include a high temperature, cough, runny nose and painful, red eyes.

Small white spots inside the mouth can also be a sign, according to PHW.

It said the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine was the best way to protect young children and babies against the disease, while older children and adults could get vaccinated if they were not jabbed when they were younger.

PHW said: "If you think you or your child may have missed an MMR vaccine please check your vaccination record by asking your GP or checking your child’s red book.

"If you are not up to date with your MMR vaccine please make an appointment with your GP practice as soon as possible."

NHS Wales said it was important not to attend nurseries, school or work for at least four days after the rash first appears.

According to PHW, the number of people in Wales receiving the MMR vaccine has fallen since the start of the Covid pandemic, which could lead to a rise in cases.