Cases of measles spread to Shropshire
Measles cases have been reported in Shropshire as the epidemic that began in South Wales spreads, it was revealed today.
About 20 secondary schoolchildren in the Oswestry area have suspected measles, public health officials confirmed today.
It has led to fears that the epidemic that started in Swansea is spreading eastwards.
There have been more than 40 suspected cases in Mid Wales, but this is the first time that children in Shropshire have been affected.
Doctors today urged parents of children who have not received the MMR jab to contact their GP and arrange for the immunisation.
Shropshire's Director of Public Health Professor Rod Thomson said the children who had symptoms of the infection were at school in Wales but either lived in Shropshire or were registered with GPs in the Oswestry area.
He said: "In this border area there are many families who may live one side of the border but send their children to school or use a surgery on the other."
Measles can be potentially fatal, but all those showing symptoms this week are expected to make a full recovery.
Professor Thomson added: "They are being kept away from school and we are asking parents to make sure they do not come into contact with others, particularly from anyone who might be at risk if they caught the infection."
He added that Shropshire had a vaccination rate far higher than the national average.
Children should receive the MMR vaccine before starting full-time school, but unfounded health fears surrounding the jab led to some parents deciding not to take up the option.
Powys teaching Local Health Board said 41 cases of measles had been recorded, mainly in the north of the county.
Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, today urged people to get their children vaccinated.
News of the spread of measles came as hundreds of children were being immunised in schools throughout Swansea.
