15 April 2011
A specialist doctor from the children's A&E department at St Helier Hospital is calling for all local parents to have their children vaccinated against measles.
Following reports of measles outbreaks in Europe earlier this week, experts across the country have been encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated before going on holiday. But according to Dr Chloe Johnston, consultant paediatrician, measles is something we should be aware of all year round.
Dr Johnston said: "Measles is a serious illness that can have grave complications and in rare circumstances, it can kill children or leave them disabled.
"The fact is, measles hasn't disappeared – we still have outbreaks across London and we see severe cases in our hospitals every single year. So, whether you are about to go on holiday or not, every one should be vaccinated against measles – full stop."
Complications of measles include:
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febrile convulsions (fits);
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conjunctivitis (the inflammation of the delicate surface membrane that normally forms a thin, transparent covering across the eye);
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inflammation of the brain (which occurs in about one in 5,000 cases).
Chloe added: "Although complications involving the nervous system are rare, the long-term effects can be very serious. I would ask that, if they haven't already done so, parents think about having their children vaccinated. And, if you do spot the symptoms of measles, get to your GP as soon as you can."
Symptoms include:
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cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing;
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red eyes and sensitivity to light;
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a mild to severe temperature, which may peak at over 40.6°C (105°F) for several days, then fall but go up again when the rash appears;
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tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat;
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tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy;
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aches and pains;
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poor appetite;
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dry cough;
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red-brown spotty rash.
