HEALTH experts in Chester have raised concerns over a measles outbreak.
The West Cheshire NHS is advising local GPs, health services and the general public to be aware of and protect themselves against
measles.
Sarah Johnson Griffiths, consultant in public health for NHS Western Cheshire, said: “Although we are lucky and have not seen an increase in confirmed cases of measles in the Western Cheshire area, we want to remind people of the early signs and symptoms of measles and the importance of ensuring our children are protected by being fully vaccinated against the disease.”
The Health Protection Agency has declared a measles outbreak in Merseyside after six people required hospital treatment for the disease.
There have been 13 confirmed and 16 suspected cases in patients, all from the Merseyside area, who range in age from nine months to adults in their 20s with the majority of cases are in Liverpool, with a small cluster around St Helens.
The most common symptoms of measles are fever, cough, sore eyes and a rash that develops over three to four days, starting with the face and head and spreading down across the body.
People with symptoms are advised to stay away from school, nursery or work until four days after the rash has developed.
They are also asked to avoid contact with pregnant women as far as possible and to telephone their GP for advice before attending the surgery.