Blog #7 Thirty Children Diagnosed with Measles in Welsh Town

A shocking count of thirty children has been diagnosed with measles in North Wales, eleven of them being confirmed in just the last several days.  Recent findings suggest that this outbreak has been connected to the Ysgol Eifionydd School in the Porthmadog part of North Wales. Measles is a very contagious illness caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system. It is best known for its typical skin rash and is usually very rare. The only time it is considered not to be is when the child is not properly vaccinated. Of the thirty children who were affected not surprisingly, none of them had received more than one dose of the MMR vaccine. To protect against measles two doses of the vaccine are required. In an attempt to help stop the spread of the virus The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales are trying to get the families to go ahead and get their children vaccinated with MMR to prevent any future spreading of the virus.  The area in which the school is in has even managed to host two vaccination catch-up sessions last week where they ironically gave thirty children vaccines. Because the virus is so highly contagious it has been predicted for the spread of it to continue and the number of cases to rise. Children who have not received their two MMR vaccinations are more prone to contract the virus making it easier to spread it to other unvaccinated individuals as well. I feel as if more should be done within the school concerning this entire outbreak since that is where it has all been linked to, but the fact that the community has already begun to take action in decreasing the number of cases, raising awareness, and promoting prevention is very important. It is more the responsibility of the parent to ensure the vaccinations of their own children. Instead of leaving the responsibility solely to the community if each parent were to make sure that their child is vaccinated that is one less child that will be at risk for contracting the virus and spreading it onto other children. 

http://vaccinenewsdaily.com/medical_countermeasures/318081-thirty-children-diagnoses-with-measles-in-welsh-town/