Measles outbreak declared in Newport as four confirmed cases linked to Lliswerry High School

A measles outbreak is being investigated in Newport as four people with links to a High School were confirmed to be infected.

Parents of pupils at Lliswerry High School were contacted after four cases were confirmed.

Children with measles symptoms have been told to stay home from school. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive red rash.

Public Health Wales has since told parents to ensure their children have received both doses of the MMR Vaccine.

Heather Lewis, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “While four cases of measles may not sound a lot, we know that there are other children attending the school who are unvaccinated and could easily catch and spread measles.

Vaccination is recommended as the most effective way to protect against measles which can cause serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and meningitis, and death in rare cases.

Vaccinations are taking place at Lliswerry High School this week as Public Health Wales continues to investigate the outbreak.