Two new measles cases confirmed in Newport and Torfaen

Credit: PA

Two new cases of measles have been confirmed following an outbreak in Newport and Torfaen.

In the cases, people who visited healthcare settings while they were infectious, prompting Public Health Wales to again warn that people with measles symptoms should not go into public waiting rooms.

The Gwent area outbreak has been caused by the same strain of measles that has affected more than 14,000 people across Europe this year and which has killed 35 people.

The new cases bring the total confirmed number in the outbreak to 12.

READ MORE:Parents urged to vaccinate children against measles amid outbreak

Public Health Wales has issued the following advice:

  • Children with measles symptoms - which include a high temperature, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a distinctive red rash - should be kept home from school, nurseries and social events such as holiday clubs and birthday parties.

  • Public Health Wales is also urging parents not to take children who appear to have symptoms of measles to the GP surgery, A&E department or hospital where they could put other people at risk without calling ahead first.

  • Parents who suspect their child has measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for an assessment. They should alert their health care providers of the symptoms before attending any appointment.

Around a fifth of children with measles can experience serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia or meningitis.

One in 10 children with measles ends up in hospital - and in rare cases it can be fatal.

For more information on measles, visit the Public Health Wales website.