Measles outbreak gets worse

WITH 200 confirmed cases of measles on Merseyside in resent months has lead to the Health Protection Agency saying that it is now the "worst outbreak of the disease since 1988." The potentially-lethal disease, which can be prevented by vaccination, is reported to be focused with in Liverpool and neighbouring areas such as Knowsley and parts of Sefton. The majority of the confirmed cases have been in Liverpool, but it is also circulating in other parts of the North West Region. Most of the cases are with children under the age of 5 and at least 39 of the confirmed cases resulted in treatment in hospital. Doctors say that Measles is a very infectious illness which spreads very quickly among children and adults who are not vaccinated. Symptoms include fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes and a red rash. The Health Protection Agency said in a press release that "this is an avoidable illness and we strongly advise parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated fully. In the UK the MMR is the safest and most effective protection on offer. The MMR vaccine can be given at any age and is a 3 in 1 vaccine that protects those immunised against, not only against measles, but also mumps and rubella (German measles)." Sadly some parents in the UK are still worried about the MMR vaccine that was introduced in 1988. "Side-effects are the unwanted, but mostly mild and temporary effects of a successful immunisation. They're usually rare after the first dose and even less likely after the second. The side-effects you may get after the MMR vaccine often outweigh the side-effects and possible complications you may get from having measles, mumps or rubella." said BUPA, who also backing the NHS call for people to become vaccinated. "It is obvious from these statistics that people who are not fully vaccinated are not just at risk themselves, but they pose an infection risk to others as well. Measles should not be treated lightly and it is our advice that any unprotected teenagers and young adults should arrange to get a vaccination. This can be done through your family doctor. If you can't remember whether or not you have had it, ask your GP. It is never too late to be vaccinated and it's not dangerous to receive the MMR vaccine more than once." said Health Protection Agency.

Kate and Gerry McCann to run in the Run Liverpool 10K!

KATE and Gerry McCann are preparing to take part in this Sunday's Festival of Running, more determined than ever to continue their search for Madeline, on the 5 year anniversary of her disappearance.

The McCann family will make a poignant visit to Liverpool this weekend and take part in both the Men Only 10K and the Women's 10K as they continue to raise awareness for the search for Madeline.

Today marks the 5th anniversary of Madeline's disappearance however the family have renewed hope that their daughter will be found alive and they are channelling their energy into positive activity that will offer more strength for their search.

Kate said:- "We're really pleased to be taking part in the RunLiverpool 10K this coming weekend. It's something we've considered over previous years but given the poignant timing for our family, we've never quite felt strong enough. Thankfully this year, with the involvement of the Metropolitan Police, things are looking brighter for Madeleine and the search, so we're ready to give it a go. Thank you to everyone in Liverpool again for your brilliant support over the past five years. It's appreciated so much by all of our family and friends."

Champion Olympic Boxer David Price will start The Men Only 10K opens the event at 10am. The Women's only 10K and Women's 5K will follow, with the Under 12's 1 mile Fun Run completing the event at 1:30pm.

To support the McCann's during the race you can enter by visiting:- runliverpool.org.