North Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to keep up to date with their MMR vaccines amid fears of a measles outbreak.
The warning comes after rising cases of the disease in England.
A total of 149 cases of measles in England were recorded between 1 January and 30 September this year, a dramatic rise from 54 during the whole of 2022.
(Source: UK Health Security Agency)
Jack Lewis, consultant in public health with the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said:
“Measles is more than just a rash. It is highly infectious and we’re seeing cases on the rise.
“If you are not protected and you have even a passing contact with someone who has measles, there’s every chance you will become infected too.
“There is no treatment or cure for measles, but the MMR vaccine offers excellent protection against this dangerous disease.”
Symptoms
Measles can feel like a cold at first. The disease is sometimes identified by spots in the mouth or a rash that appears a few days after falling ill.
In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis and pneumonia.
Measles is also particularly dangerous during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth.
The MMR vaccine (or, measles, mumps and rubella) is given in two doses.
Children are typically given their first dose at one years old and their second at three years and four months.
However, Lewis urged adults who are not fully vaccinated to receive a dose too.
The NHS particularly encourages adults to check they’re vaccinated if they’re about to visit another country, begin university, or are hoping to get pregnant.
Patients can find out if they are fully vaccinated by contacting their GP.
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Team of four to cycle the distance of ‘Harrogate to Monaco’ in memory of late friends
Four Harrogate friends are to team up and cycle 1,573km on stationary bikes to raise money for charity after the death of two close friends.
Henry Bartle, Ollie Ward, Joe Braham and Jeremy Butterfield will collectively cycle the distance of Harrogate to Monaco within 24 hours in time for the Grand Prix.
The money will be raised in memory of James Hindmarsh and David Brown, who both passed away last year.
All four of the group will cycle at the same time on May 27 and will aim to complete 16km every hour, then will rest the remaining time of the hour.
Jeremy Butterfield, a close friend of James and David, said:
“Both James and Dave loved F1 so it was only right we all ‘travelled’ to the Monaco Grand Prix this year.
“James and Dave never gave up in their fights and we will continue their legacies to help others fight the challenges they are facing.
“Every cycle of the bike they will be with us (probably with a smile and a Peroni in hand). Forever in our hearts James & Dave, we love you and we will make it to Monaco together.”
James Hindmarsh (left) and David Brown (Right)
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James passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021, whilst David lost his battle with covid last December.
Half of the funds raised from the bike ride will be donated to Leeds Hospitals Charity, who will allocate it to Leeds Cancer Centre.
Jeremy said:
“This was a centre that was very close to James’ heart. The money raised will go towards support and help for others fighting the same fight our best mate did so bravely.”
The other half of the funds will be donated to The David Brown Foundation.
Jeremy added:
“Dave was the most thoughtful, caring, gentle and humble human who did so much for children and teenagers across the district. We will follow on in Dave’s footsteps and support children’s education across the UK.”
Last year, the four friends took part in three marathons in three days, a ski tour and climbed the three peaks. They initially tried to raise the money for James’ treatment, but as he died they decided to donate the £33,275 to the Sarcoma charity.
The cycle will take place in the window of Rocca, Harrogate. You can donate to the #DOIT4JAMES&DAVID page here.
Harrogate district covid rate halves in three weeks
The rate of covid in the Harrogate district has halved since the most recent wave of infections peaked on March 25.
Latest figures from North Yorkshire County Council show that 441 per 100,000 people currently have the virus.
The rate has fallen sharply since the end of March when it had risen to 1,005 per 100,000 people.
Cases rose due to the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, a more contagious strain of Omicron that was circulating in January and February.
NHS figures show 110,794 people have had three doses of a covid vaccine in the district, which is 71% of the population aged over 12.
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Harrogate vet sees big rise in dogs with mystery illness
A Harrogate vet has warned dog owners to avoid popular walking spots if their pets have symptoms of a mystery illness spreading across town.
There have been widespread reports of vomiting and diarrhoea among dogs that have been to the East Yorkshire coast in the last week. However, dogs have also caught the virus in Harrogate.
The Harrogate Vet, on Leeds Road, told the Stray Ferret that its vets have seen a three-fold increase in dogs with gastroenteritis in the last week.
Sarah Woods, one of the vets at the practice, said:
“It is not unusual for viruses to spread but this is different in terms of the sheer number of unwell dogs we are treating — around a dozen a day.
“We do not want dog owners to panic or change anything they are doing.
“Dogs that have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea just need to avoid popular areas to prevent the spread.”
Ms Woods added that most dogs they have seen have responded well to treatment.
Kelly Anne, who owns a miniature schnauzer called Pepper, said her dog became unwell after a walk around the Skipton Road area of Harrogate. She said:
“She has really not been herself at all, it has just been really sad to see.
“Last night I saw her stomach contracting and how much pain she was in. It made me cry.”
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Nicky Shamir, who works as a hypnotherapist, recently took her cockapoo Barney for a walk round Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. She said:
“On the way back he started with diarrhoea and when I managed to get him home he just slept.
“He is just eight months old so it was really unusual and I took him to the vet. We have now got him on some medication and he is starting to improve.”
Kirsty Atkinson owns three cocker spaniels called Isla, Miley and Jet. She told the Stray Ferret:
“One started being ill on Tuesday evening then the other Wednesday and last one started yesterday.
“The only place they have been walked is around the block we live on Harlow Avenue and the bit of parkland at the end of Hartley Road so we could only have picked it up there.
“It’s a bit worrying but more reassuring that we maybe know it’s just gastroenteritis and that they should be better within a few days.”