Measles Outbreak In Neath

14 August 2014, 17:07 | Updated: 14 August 2014, 17:12

Health officials tell Heart they are investigating an outbreak of measles in Neath.

It's been confirmed two children at the Miles of Smiles nursery have the virus.

Five other children are being tested.

Parents in the town are being urged to make sure youngsters have both doses of the MMR jab to protect them from the virus.

Dr Jörg Hoffmann is from Public Health Wales: "The only way to prevent large outbreaks of measles is through vaccination and I urge parents whose children have not received two doses of MMR to ensure that they speak to their GP immediately to arrange this quick, safe and effective vaccine."

"While two cases of measles may not sound a lot, we have five other children with symptoms, all attending a nursery school where there are children who are too young to be fully vaccinated and could easily catch and spread measles.
 
"We are writing to all parents with children at the nursery to ask them to attend Friday’s vaccination session, but are also warning parents in the Neath area to be aware of the risk of measles and to make sure their children are fully vaccinated.
 
"The only way to prevent large outbreaks of measles is through vaccination and I urge parents whose children have not received two doses of MMR to ensure that they speak to their GP immediately to arrange this quick, safe and effective vaccine."