Have you had your MMR Vaccination?
Health experts are reminding students in Leeds the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination following recent confirmation of cases of measles in the student community in Leeds.
West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit and NHS Leeds are aware of 12 laboratory confirmed cases of measles in students at both the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University since the beginning of February 2011, and a further five possible cases reported in students. (latest figures as of 22nd March 2011)
Measles is highly infectious and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Being vaccinated is very important, not just to protect individuals, but also to stop the virus from spreading in the community and potentially seriously affecting others.
Risk to Students
Dr Mike Gent, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at West Yorkshire Health Protection Unit, said: “We’re aware that measles is circulating in students in Leeds and this is a cause for concern. Measles can be a very dangerous illness and recently confirmed cases in Leeds are the first we’ve seen in the city since 2009.
“Prior to vaccination measles was most common among children aged 1-4 years old. However, these recent cases in adults demonstrate that anyone, of any age, who has not been vaccinated against measles is at risk from the disease.”
Dr Simon Balmer, Public Health Consultant for NHS Leeds, said: “People are best protected from the measles virus when they have been given two doses of the MMR vaccination. The vaccination also protects against mumps and rubella and I would continue to remind all students, young people and parents of the importance of this safe and effective immunisation, offered routinely in childhood, to protect both individuals and our whole community from these infections.
“It’s never too late for young adults to get immunised with the MMR vaccine. If you’ve not been vaccinated, please contact your GP to arrange to get protected against what can be very dangerous illnesses.
“We would urge students to arrange for this as soon as possible, and certainly before the start of the new university term in April, when exams will be taking place. All students in Leeds should be able to get vaccinated by contacting their GP in the first instance, or their University health team. Any students who remain unprotected when returning home for the Easter holidays should take the opportunity to arrange a vaccination with their family GP, where possible.
All individuals concerned are recovering well and health professionals have been working to ensure that any close contacts of the cases have been identified and provided with appropriate health advice. Information on the signs and symptoms of the disease and the importance of MMR vaccination has been provided to students through Leeds GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Check that you've been vaccinated
Jo Heslop, Occupational Health Manager at Leeds Metropolitan University said: “It is important that all students check with their GP whether they have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine and if not, have this done as soon as possible. Many students are in an age group that may only have received 1 dose in the past. If you cannot access the information, it may be wise to have the vaccination anyway. It will not harm you to have more than two doses in your lifetime.”
Dr Gent added: “We know that measles is still common in many developing countries and anyone travelling to these countries who is unsure of their MMR status is advised to check that they have received two doses of the vaccine.
“Whilst the success of the MMR vaccine means that cases of measles in the UK are relatively rare, in recent years the number of cases confirmed nationally has been increasing, with around 50 cases of measles confirmed in the Yorkshire and the Humber region in each of the last few years.”
Symptoms of measles include:
Fever
Irritability
Cold/catarrh symptoms - runny nose, sore and runny eyes
Dry croupy cough
White ( Kopliks ) spots on the gums ( 2nd and 3rd day )
Diarrhoea - often in the early stages in children
If you think you may have measles, do not go into university. Contact your GP or NHS Direct for advice and inform them that you have symptoms of measles.
Students are advised to check their MMR status with GPs in the first instance, but the Leeds Student Medical Practice have also set up the following MMR vaccination drop in sessions. Further details are on their website:
Wednesday 23rd March 3 – 4.30pm
Wednesday 30th March 2 – 4pm
Wednesday 6th April 2 -4pm
www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk
For more information on the symptoms and treatment of measles and the MMR vaccination please click here to view the NHS Choices Website.
