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MEASLES cases have skyrocketed in Croydon,
prompting a warning from a health chief.
The number of confirmed or suspected measles cases
in the borough over the last two months has soared to 32, compared to
only three at this time last year.
Dr John Thomas, Consultant in Communicable Disease
Control for the South West London Health Protection Team, blamed the
rise on the recent fall in the uptake of the MMR (measles mumps and
rubella) vaccination.
The controversy over the safety of MMR has resulted
in the take-up of the vaccine for two-year-olds in the borough
plummeting to only 68 per cent, compared to a national target of 95 per
cent and a London average of 74 per cent.
Dr Thomas said: "The MMR vaccine is safer and
highly effective in preventing cases of measles. In some children
measles can result in serious complications and even death.
"Parents are strongly advised to have their
children aged 12 months and over immunised against measles, mumps and
rubella."
Symptoms of measles include a fever, red and
watering eyes, a runny nose and a dry cough.
After these, the warning signs are tiny white spots
with a red base in the mouth and then a flat, blotchy red rash three to
four days into the illness, starting on the face and behind the ears.
In Croydon the policy for immunisation recommends
two doses of MMR vaccine. The first is given between 12 and 15 months of
age, and the second dose before starting school. |