Measles cases confirmed in Bolton as warning issued

It comes after warning sin recent months that several cases of the infectious virus had been detected in the North West, most of them in Greater Manchester.

According to the government's Notifications of infectious diseases database for the last 52 weeks, a case has been detected in Bolton with two in Bury. 

It is understood, however, the figure may be higher than this.

The Bolton News understands that GPs have sent out messages to patients urging them to make sure their children are vaccinated against the disease to stop an outbreak in the town.

NHS Greater Manchester clinical director for population health Dr Helen Wall said: “Ensuring yourself and your child are fully vaccinated against measles is really important.

“It not only protects you and your family against the illness, but it also protects those who you come into contact with who may be vulnerable, such as babies, toddlers and the elderly.

People have been warned to make sure they are properly vaccinated (Image: Newsquest)

“Since the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1968 into the routine childhood immunisation programme it is estimated that more than 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been averted in the UK.

“Unfortunately, following a decade long trend of a fall in childhood vaccine uptake we are now seeing a resurgence of measles.”

“It is also important to be aware of what symptoms to look out for as the measles virus is highly infectious.”

It is believed that there has now been more than one case of measles in Bolton.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said: "It shows the importance of getting immunised against these illnesses.

"Measles is a deeply unpleasant disease that causes great pain in children.

"I plead with all parents to consider getting your children immunised against it."

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Symptoms usually appear seven to ten days after contact with the virus and cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough and red, sore or watery eyes.

They also include a high temperature or fever , which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius. 

A non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears three to five days 3-5 days, sometimes starting around the ears before spreading to rest of the body, spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches, which may be harder to see on darker skin tones.

Small white spots may appear inside cheeks and the back of lips, for a few days.