Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has issued a stark warning to parents as “several children are seriously unwell in hospital”. The hospital, in conjunction with UKHSA and Directors of Public Health for Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley, sent the letter via its social media channels today, Monday, July 7.
The letter said there has been a recent surge in measles cases in Merseyside, which is “putting children and young people at risk within our communities and our hospital.”
It added that several children are “seriously unwell” and currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, Liverpool Echo reports.
NHS chiefs said the rise in measles cases among children and young people is due to a decline in the uptake of the MMR vaccine, which safeguards against measles, mumps and rubella. The letter revealed that the number of children being treated at Alder Hey for effects and complications of measles is on the rise.
Children already in hospital who are “very poorly for another reason”, are at an elevated risk of contracting the virus, the letter warned. According to NHS guidelines, measles is a highly contagious infection that can lead to severe complications in some individuals.
As measles cases seem to make a comeback, the NHS is issuing a new health warning advising individuals to spot the early signs. The initial symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, fever, coughing, sneezing, and red, inflamed, teary eyes.
Typically, a rash surfaces several days afterward, starting on the face and behind the ears, subsequently spreading over the body. Often presented as raised bumpy spots amalgamating into larger blotchy areas, the rash usually isn’t itchy.
On white skin, the rash may look brownish or reddish, but detecting it on darker skin might be more challenging, according to NHS guidelines.
The guidance also suggests: “It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.”
If you suspect measles, whether for yourself or your child, it is recommended to immediately contact 111 or request an urgent GP appointment, especially important for infants under one, those who have been near someone with measles, pregnant women, or people with compromised immune systems.
Seek urgent medical help if there’s a persistent high fever post-administration of paracetamol or ibuprofen; breathing difficulties; diminished fluid intake or fewer wet nappies in infants; decreased urination; or just feeling extremely unwell or alarmed about a potentially severe issue.
Anyone suffering from measles is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
