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Measles in the United Kingdom

15 Mar 2013

An outbreak of measles is ongoing in Wales, United Kingdom. In the last week 43 new measles cases were reported in the Swansea area, bringing the total number of cases to 252.

The majority of new cases are in the Swansea area, however, cases are being reported across south east Wales. Parents are being urged to have their children vaccinated with MMR vaccine as there are pockets of low vaccine uptake in Wales, including Swansea and the surrounding area.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.