Wirral patient seriously ill in hospital after measles outbreak

May 11 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

A PATIENT is seriously ill in hospital after an outbreak of measles in Wirral.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is warned parents to make sure their children have been immunised after several people were struck down with the disease in the borough.

There have been two confirmed cases, both children, and an undisclosed number of suspected cases in children and adults. One of these patients is in hospital.

None of the affected people had been fully immunised.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Director of the HPA’s Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Unit, said: “These cases in Wirral show just how important it is for parents to ensure that their children are given two doses of MMR vaccine.

“We are also reminding teenagers and young adults who haven’t previously been vaccinated that it is not too late for them.

“They should seek advice from their family doctors.

“MMR is a safe and effective vaccine. Two doses give full immunity against measles, mumps and rubella, diseases that can have serious side effects. On very rare occasions people die from measles.”

The HPA has strongly advised parents who may be taking children on a continental holiday this summer to ensure that they are fully protected by two doses of MMR vaccine.