MEASLES cases are ‘higher than expected’ at a city hospital, including infections among staff, as NHS bosses introduce tighter controls.
Multiple cases of measles have been confirmed over the last two months as Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester tightens infection control measures, including mask-wearing for staff, vaccine clinics and restrictions on visitors.
Rising measles cases in Worcestershire
Between January 1 and May 25, there have been 630 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported in England, an increase of 88 cases since the last update was issued on May 11.
RISES: Worcestershire Royal Hospital has seen a higher than expected rise in cases of measles (Image: Newsquest)
UKHSA publishes measles updates fortnightly with the next one due this Thursday which will include the latest figures for Worcestershire.
Meanwhile, a visit to Worcester hospital by the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the county health watchdog, was cancelled on Wednesday because of concerns about rising infections.
Multiple cases have been confirmed over the past two months, including among hospital staff, prompting the reintroduction of mask-wearing for staff in all clinical areas and restrictions on visitors.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Over the past two months we have seen a higher than expected number of people who have tested positive for measles at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, including several members of our staff.
“We are working closely with partner organisations, including the UK Health Security Agency, Worcestershire County Council Public Health, and our Integrated Care Board colleagues on a joined-up approach to protecting our patients, visitors and staff, raising public awareness of measles symptoms, and encouraging take-up of vaccines.
“Our occupational health team is reviewing the vaccine status of staff working in our hospitals and for those colleagues who have not had a measles vaccination we are running vaccine clinics at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Wednesday this week followed by similar clinics at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, and the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch.
“We have reintroduced mask-wearing for staff in all clinical areas and we are also offering masks to patients and visitors.
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“Visiting at Worcestershire Royal Hospital is being limited to one visitor per patient with exceptions to that guidance on compassionate grounds only.”
People with symptoms of measles are being urged to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS 111, rather than attending GP surgeries or A&E departments without informing them that you think you have measles before you visit, to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Health officials are also advising the public to check their vaccination status and ensure they have received both doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine to protect against measles.
The trust spokesperson said: “We would encourage everyone who has not had two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine to get protected as soon as possible.
“Adults as well as children can catch measles and vaccination provides the best protection.”
Measles outbreak in Worcestershire
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with local authority and NHS partners following an increase in measles cases in Worcestershire.
Emma Booth, Consultant in Health Protection and the Vaccine Lead for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “Measles is still circulating in parts of the country, and we have seen an increasing number of cases in the Worcestershire area, which have unusually been linked to adults more than children.
“Measles doesn’t just affect children, anyone unvaccinated is at risk. We are reminding everyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Measles can spread quickly among those who are unvaccinated and can cause serious complications especially in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
“The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect children and families from measles, mumps, and rubella. It is safe, free of charge and can be given at any age.
“We encourage all adults to check they have had two doses of MMR or contact their GP surgery if they are unsure, and book an appointment for any doses missed.”
Measles signs and symptoms
Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash a few days later.
Have you been affected by this? Please let us know at james.connell@newsquest.co.uk