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CHILDREN at risk of falling victim to Doncaster´s fast-speading measles outbreak face a double threat after it emerged mumps cases have also rocketed.

A total of 22 youngsters are now known to have had or be suffering from measles in nine areas of the borough in what has been confirmed as the biggest outbreak in the country.

But it emerged this week that mumps, also highly contagious, had struck 36 people in January - almost as many victims as during last year as a whole.

Most of the victims are teenagers who have either not had the both dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or none at all because they missed the start of the routine programme in 1988.

Young children, usually from the age of five, who have not been immunised are at also risk of contracting the illness, an infection of the salivary glands which can cause deafness and meningitis.

Dr Wendy Phillips, communicable disease control consultant for Doncaster, said there had already been one case in Doncaster of someone contracting both diseases at the same time, which heightens the risk of developing more serious complications.

She said. "There were ten cases in November and December and 36 cases in January. So we are seeing a worrying rise in mumps again. Ten per month is still a large number for us compared to what we saw two or three years ago. Developing both measles and mumps is particularly nasty."

The big leap in measles cases is due to some parents´ refusal to have their children immunised with the MMR vaccine following a scare linking it with autism.

There needs to be a 95 per cent take-up of the vaccine in order for everyone in the borough to be safe but rates are currently around 90 per cent.

Public health officials have now notified all schools in Doncaster of the outbreak which has hit youngsters in Armthorpe, Auckley, Hexthorpe and Rossington in addition to areas earlier confirmed to have been affected - Askern, Bentley, Balby, Stainforth and Carcroft.

Managers at local GP practices have been asked to report on take-up of the vaccine
following publicity of the first confirmed cases which, it emerged this week, are the first in 12 years.

Ten of the 22 affected children have been treated at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, mostly for high fever and, or dehydration, where they are nursed in line with infection control procedures which includes staying in single rooms. A further 13 suspected cases are still being investigated.

Experts warn measles and mumps will spread further if parents do not ensure their children have been immunised. And anyone under the age of 25 should check what vaccines they have had with their GP. If they have not had two doses of MMR, they are able to ask for the jab.

Symptoms of measles can include fever, sore and red eyes, spots in the mouth, and a runny nose as wel as diahorrea in young children. The disease can have serious complications and can, in rare cases, be fatal.
Mumps sufferers may experience swollen glands, a temperature and general feeling of being unwell.

Last Updated: 09 March 2006 12:19 PM