MMR plea to parents

As numbers of mumps and measles cases continue to rise, the Health Protection Agency has renewed its calls for parents to protect their children with two doses of MMR vaccine.

There has been a large rise in mumps and measles cases in Greater Manchester in the first half of 2009, compared to the same period in recent years.

As in previous years, the age groups most affected by mumps have been young adults of school and college age aged between 15 and 24. In the North West, Greater Manchester has seen the largest number of mumps cases so far this year.

Most measles cases in recent years have occurred among children aged under 5. Again the city region, which includes Rochdale, has reported the largest number of measles cases so far this year.

Dr. Paul Cleary, acting consultant regional epidemiologist for the Health Protection Agency said: “We are concerned at the increasing numbers of cases of mumps and measles being reported.

"Children and young adults can be safely and effectively protected from measles and mumps by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine. Unfortunately many children have not had this, and as a result we are now seeing more children affected by measles and mumps infections.

"Measles and mumps are very infectious and unpleasant infections that can cause serious complications including encephalitis, even in healthy children.

"I would urge all parents to protect their children against these infections.”