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Islanders are being urged to check their vaccination status following a second confirmed measles case in Jersey in less than a month.
At the start of August, the island recorded its first case of the highly contagious disease in eight years.
A second case has today been confirmed – but this is not connected to this previous case.
Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said that "all possible precautions to help stop onward transmission are taking place".
He encouraged islanders to check their measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status and be aware of the symptoms of measles.
Prof Bradley explained: “The best way to protect yourself and your children from measles is through the MMR vaccination which is highly effective and safe.
“I encourage all islanders to make sure that they are fully vaccinated.”
He added: “Measles is circulating in parts of the UK and Europe, so it is especially important that islanders check they are up to date with their vaccine schedule before travelling abroad.
“Jersey’s vaccination rates are high, but we know that there are some people who are eligible for the vaccine and have not had both doses.
“This puts them at risk, especially if travelling off island to places where measles is circulating.”
Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be very serious in those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or aged under one year old.
The disease has been circulating in some parts of the UK and other European countries recently.
cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
a high temperature (fever)
a red-brown blotchy rash will appear after a few days. This usually starts on the head or upper neck.
Anyone not sure if they or their child have received their vaccine can check by contacting their GP surgery or the Childhood Immunisation Team on 01534 443741.
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