Parents urged to vaccinate children against measles amid outbreak
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are protected against measles amid an ongoing outbreak.
Ten cases of the infection have been confirmed in Newport and Torfaen, caused by the same strain of measles which has affected thousands and killed 35 people across Europe this year.
Public Health Wales says summer holidays abroad or social events present the opportunity for measles to spread between children who have not received the MMR vaccine.
"The start of school holidays may mean children coming into contact with people they wouldn't normally meet, either on holiday or at clubs or large events here in Wales", said Dr Rhianwen Stiff from Public Health Wales.
What are the symptoms of measles?
a runny or blocked nose
sneezing
watery eyes
swollen eyelids
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
small greyish-white spots in the mouth
aches and pains
a cough
loss of appetite
tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy
Public Health Wales says parents of children with measles symptoms should keep them home from school, nurseries or social events, and contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for an assessment.