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The number of measles cases in Gwent has risen to 17 – a rise from nine at the end of April.
A measles outbreak was declared in Gwent in early April by Public Health Wales.
Why is Caerphilly in Gwent?
Caerphilly County Borough was formed on April 1, 1996, by the merger of the Rhymney Valley district of Mid Glamorgan with the Islwyn borough of Gwent.
Administratively, for local services such as the police and health, the borough now falls under a wider region referred to as Gwent. This comprises the council areas of Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire.
The new confirmed cases are in people who have been identified as close contacts of previous cases, rather than resulting from further spread in the community.
No new cases have been identified since May 20.
Public Health Wales has urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Beverley Griggs, consultant in health protection for PHW, and chair of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team, said: “Thanks to the support of parents and carers in Gwent, we have not seen extensive spread of measles in the community during this outbreak.
“However, to prevent further transmission of the virus, and to protect the most vulnerable in our community, it’s important that everyone eligible has both doses of the MMR vaccine.”
She continued: “We are also taking this opportunity to remind parents and carers that they should ensure their children are fully vaccinated ahead of attending mass events during the summer. We know that measles transmits easily when people are in close proximity to one another.
“People should also ensure they get vaccinated if they are travelling abroad, especially to countries where measles vaccination rates are lower.”
“Parents and carers can check the MMR vaccine status of their child by checking their child’s red book, or visiting their local health board website.”
In February this year, Wales’ chief medical officer, Sir Frank Atherton, warned measles outbreaks could become more frequent in Wales unless urgent action is taken.
Sir Frank called on parents to make sure their children are up to date with their childhood vaccinations.
Measles can be vaccinated against with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
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