Measles case confirmed in Cumbria amidst national concerns



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One case of measles has been confirmed in Cumbria, while the number of children receiving the life-saving MMR vaccine has decreased.

A county general practitioner warned parents that there was "deliberately misleading" information about vaccinations circulating on social networks, which could have caused unnecessary concern.

But with a case now confirmed in Allerdale, the importance of ensuring that you and your family are protected has been reiterated.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged yesterday to take urgent action to increase the number of children and youth receiving MMR vaccine.

This comes after it appeared that the UK had lost its measles-free status three years after the elimination of the virus here.

In the first quarter of 2019, there were 231 confirmed cases.

There have been no recent cases in Cumbria until last week, when a case was confirmed in Allerdale.

Before that, there was another in Allerdale in May, one in Copeland in January and another in Barrow, also in January.

But the latest figures show that up to 9,000 five-year-olds in the North West region, including Cumbria, may not be fully aware of some routine immunizations such as the MMR vaccine .

Dr. Amanda Boardman, NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Measles and mumps can be very dangerous diseases and the best way to protect yourself or your children is to use the MMR vaccine. .

"I urge anyone to check out reliable websites, like www.nhs.uk, when making decisions, rather than accepting deliberately misleading information broadcast on certain social media. If you or your children have not been vaccinated, it is not too late. "

Colin Cox, director of public health in Cumbria, added: "Epidemics of disease, particularly measles, have occurred when the number of people vaccinated has decreased.

"Measles, mumps and rubella can spread quickly to children and unprotected adults and anyone who has not received two doses of MMR vaccine is still at risk. It is very important that children receive the full treatment of two MMR vaccines before starting school and that parents or caregivers contact their GP practice and discuss it now. they did not have it at the scheduled time. "

Anyone who does not know if he or his children have received two doses of the vaccine is urged to contact their doctor. They can also discuss any concerns with the practice staff.

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