Parents told to check kids jabs are up to date amid UK measles surge

If you suspect you or a family member has measles, phone your GP or MEDS 

Public Health Isle of Man is calling on parents to ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations.

It comes after a spike in measles cases in the UK.

The World Health Organisation sets out a target that 95 percent of the population should be jabbed, but the UK falls short of that figure.

The Isle of Man's health advisory body says parents need to be aware and look out for symptoms of what can be a serious disease which is highly infectious and can result in life changing complications.

If people have not had two doses of MMR, it can spread very quickly in places like nurseries, schools and healthcare settings.

Certain groups of people are most at risk, and the disease can be particularly serious for babies, small children, pregnant women and those with weak immune systems.

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms followed by a non-itchy rash some days later and sometimes white spots in the mouth.

Experts say two doses of MMR can give 99 percent protection against the disease.

The injection is given to babies and children at one-year-old and again at three-years-four-months.

Those who have missed the appointment are told to contact their GP to arrange vaccination.

One of the government’s top advisors says they’re “working with health partners to monitor the situation and increase Island preparedness in the event we may see cases here.”

Detailed information about measles can be found HERE.

Vaccination information can be found HERE.