West Wales: Urgent warning to parents as meningitis outbreak sparks fears

Health chiefs covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion say the disease can become “very serious quickly” — and are warning that not all children and teenagers are fully protected.

The warning comes as a major outbreak in Kent has seen dozens of cases and at least two deaths, with health officials racing to contain the spread.

The cluster — centred around Canterbury — has been linked to schools and universities, with cases rising rapidly and thousands of people offered vaccines and antibiotics.

Experts have also warned there is a risk of further cases appearing elsewhere, particularly as people travel around the country.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said vaccination remains the strongest defence.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities,” she said.

Figures show that in west Wales, uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among teenagers is just 76.4% — meaning many school leavers are still unprotected.

For younger children, rates are higher but still below the 95% target:

• 92.8% vaccinated by their first birthday
• 91.8% by their second birthday

Officials say more families must come forward to close the gap.

Public Health Wales has also stressed the seriousness of the disease, even though overall case numbers in Wales remain relatively low.

Dr Christopher Johnson said: “While meningococcal disease is rare, it can become very serious quickly.

“The most important thing people can do is be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical advice if they are concerned.”

He warned symptoms can escalate fast and may include a high temperature, severe headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion and a rash that does not fade when pressed.

“Not everyone will have all of the symptoms,” he added. “If someone becomes suddenly unwell or symptoms worsen quickly, it is important to seek medical help immediately.”

Meningitis can lead to life-threatening complications including septicaemia, and around one in 10 cases can be fatal.

Health bosses are now urging parents and carers across west Wales to check vaccination records, contact their GP if any doses have been missed, and remain vigilant.

They say quick action could save lives.

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Too hefty to handle: Welsh fire crews swamped by super‑size rescue callouts

New figures show fire crews across Britain have been called out 15,849 times since 2020 to help people who are stuck, trapped or unable to be moved because of their size — the equivalent of a rescue every 3 hours and 20 minutes.

And Wales is right at the centre of the surge.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service — covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys — handled 656 of these incidents, making it the fifth‑highest total in the UK.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service — which covers Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, the Vale of Glamorgan and the Valleys — recorded 1,174 callouts, the second‑highest in Britain.

A growing “heavy‑lift” problem

In Mid and West Wales, the number of people needing specialist rescue because they were “too heavy to handle” has more than doubled in four years — rising from 59 in 2020 to 136 in 2024.

Crews spent 33,620 minutes on these jobs — that’s 560 hours, or 23 days of non‑stop work.

Across the UK, firefighters have spent the equivalent of 384.5 days on these rescues since 2020.

“It’s exhausting, dangerous and takes hours”

A frontline firefighter with London Fire Brigade, who took part in several bariatric rescues, said these callouts are among the most physically demanding jobs crews face.

The firefighter said:

“Jobs that would be simple with a healthier‑weight casualty become exhausting. You’re using more air, staying longer in dangerous conditions and risking heat exhaustion or collapse.”

He described one rescue that lasted ten hours and required an extraordinary multi‑agency response.

Instead of a straightforward lift, the operation drew in five fire engines, multiple specialist rescue units, four ambulances, a heavy‑duty bariatric ambulance and police support.

Crews had to dismantle part of the property — removing a balcony and three sets of doors — before building a reinforced ramp and using rope systems to lower the casualty safely to the roadside.

Even then, it took nine firefighters just to move the patient onto a stretcher, and one crew member suffered a back injury during the lift.

“These jobs push us beyond safe limits,” he said.

Callouts rising fast — but may now be slowing

The number of “too‑heavy‑to‑move” rescues rose 76% between 2020 and 2024 — increasing from 1,804 incidents to 3,183 across the UK.

However, the study also found that between 2022 and 2024, bariatric incidents fell by 13%, dropping from 3,653 to 3,183. Researchers suggest this may be linked to the rapid rise in weight‑loss injections, now used by an estimated 1.6 million adults.

“Obesity is putting huge pressure on emergency services”

ZAVA — the online healthcare provider that commissioned the UK‑wide FOI study — said the findings highlight the growing strain obesity places on frontline responders.

Dr Crystal Wyllie from ZAVA said:

“Obesity puts huge pressure not just on the NHS but on fire and rescue services too. These callouts are risky, physically demanding and take crews away from other emergencies.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service response

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said bariatric rescues — the callouts where someone is too heavy to move without firefighters and specialist kit — are becoming an increasingly common part of their workload.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Although fire and rescue services in Wales have no statutory duty to carry out bariatric rescues, we remain committed to supporting the people we serve and our emergency service partners whenever they need us.

“Bariatric incidents are increasing across the UK, and while these situations can be complex, our crews continue to respond with professionalism and compassion to ensure the safety and dignity of everyone involved.

“Our priority is always to help our communities and we will continue to work closely with colleagues in health and ambulance services to provide the best possible support where it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

Flu cases soar in Wales — experts urge vaccination as children hit hardest

Flu cases are climbing sharply across Wales this winter, with health experts warning that vulnerable groups should take practical steps to protect themselves.

Public Health Wales says Influenza A is spreading quickly, echoing figures from Scotland where cases jumped 45% in a single week. Doctors are urging people to stay vigilant as symptoms of colds, flu and Covid‑19 overlap, making it harder to know what illness you’re fighting.

Spotting the difference

Dr Nabil Jarad, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Spire Bristol Hospital, explained:

“A sore throat, cough and runny nose are symptoms most people recognise as having a cold or the flu. However, telling whether you have one or the other is often more challenging.”

He added:

“Both the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect your upper respiratory system — this includes your nose, mouth and throat. The symptoms of a cold and the flu overlap, which is why it is easy to confuse the two conditions.”

Colds usually come on gradually, with mild coughs, sneezing, headaches and tiredness. They are most often caused by rhinoviruses and typically clear within 7–10 days.

Flu, by contrast, hits harder and faster.

Dr Jarad noted:

“Symptoms usually come on faster than with a cold and are more severe. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, muscle ache and loss of appetite, are normally seen in flu but not in the common cold.”

Flu sufferers often experience stronger body aches, fever and loss of appetite, alongside a dry, hacking cough. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks.

Vaccine effectiveness

At the same time, new research published this week shows the flu vaccine is offering strong protection, especially for children.

The study, carried out in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, found this year’s jab is 72% effective in preventing hospital admissions among 2‑17 year olds. That’s crucial, as children and adolescents are currently seeing the highest infection rates.

For adults aged 65 and over, the vaccine is 34% effective against hospitalisation — comparable to previous years. Results mirror findings in England, where effectiveness was 74% in children and around 33–39% in adults.

Parents are being urged to get children vaccinated even if they missed school immunisation teams. Protection develops within 14 days, so uptake before Christmas is vital.

Winter well‑being

Public Health Wales has also issued practical advice to stay safe this winter:

• Make a winter plan and keep emergency contacts handy.
• Heat lived‑in rooms to at least 18°C and eat warm meals.
• Use NHS 111 online and pharmacies for care, and order prescriptions early.
• Stay connected — check in on neighbours and family.
• Reduce infection risk with handwashing, ventilation, and staying home when unwell.

Who’s most at risk?

Older adults, care home residents, and people with long‑term conditions such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are most vulnerable to serious flu outcomes. Adults with chronic liver disease face a 48‑fold increased risk, while those with weakened immune systems are 45 times more likely to suffer severe illness.

The bottom line

With flu cases surging and symptoms overlapping with Covid‑19, experts say vaccination remains the best defence. For children in particular, the jab is proving highly effective at keeping them out of hospital — and could be the difference between a miserable winter and a safe one.

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Sunday lunch horror: 43 struck down at Welsh pub

More than 40 people were left sick and rushing to the loo after eating Sunday lunch at the Corner House Inn in Llangynwyd, near Maesteg.

The pub shut its doors for a deep clean after customers reported stomach cramps and diarrhoea just hours after their meals.

Bug behind the outbreak

Public Health Wales confirmed 43 cases of food poisoning, blaming the bacteria clostridium perfringens. The bug is known to lurk in meat and poultry left out too long.

Officials said the risk to the wider public is low, but admitted the outbreak was one of the largest seen in Wales this year.

Pub vows honesty

In a Facebook post, the Corner House Inn said: “We contacted environmental health ourselves… we will be honest throughout and will continue to do so.”

The owners promised to keep working with inspectors to protect staff and customers, insisting the restaurant remains open.

Not the first time

It comes just weeks after a similar outbreak at the Cwrt Henllys Bar and Restaurant in Cwmbran, also linked to Sunday lunch.

The Food Standards Agency warns spores from the bug can survive cooking and multiply if food is cooled too slowly or left unrefrigerated.

Children, pregnant women, older people and those with health conditions are most at risk of severe illness.

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Investigation launched after respiratory infections at Neath primary school

Several children attending Blaenhonddan Primary School have fallen ill with symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infections, prompting a coordinated response from Public Health Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Neath Port Talbot Council.

In a statement, Public Health Wales confirmed it is working closely with the school and local partners to manage the situation and reduce the risk of further spread.

“Public Health Wales is supporting the school and partners to reduce the spread of illness and to provide public health advice to parents and staff,” the agency said.

Parents and guardians are being urged to monitor children for symptoms including coughing, sore throat, fever, or difficulty breathing.

James Adamson, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, said:

“We are aware of several cases of acute respiratory infections linked to the school and are working closely with Swansea Bay University Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Council and the school to manage the situation.”

He added that the flu season is now underway in Wales, and respiratory infections are common among children at this time of year.

“The number of absences from this school reflects the background levels of respiratory infection across Wales,” Mr Adamson said. “Having the flu vaccination every year remains the best way for people to protect themselves and their children.”

The school remains open, with additional hygiene measures and public health guidance in place.

Swansea Bay News will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

#blaenhonddanPrimarySchool #bryncoch #neath #phw #publicHealthWales #respiratoryInfection

Call to scrap VAT on sunscreen as skin cancer rates rise in Wales

The South Wales West politician pressed Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford in the Senedd this week after earlier calls to treat sunscreen as a health essential rather than a cosmetic product.

Mr Drakeford confirmed that Treasury officials had told Welsh Government there were “no plans” to change VAT rules. But he added he was prepared to raise the issue again with new ministers in London, following Ms Williams’ intervention.

“Not a luxury”

Ms Williams said sunscreen should be seen as a life‑saving product, not a luxury item:

“Skin cancer is almost entirely preventable, and yet it currently accounts for almost half of all cancers in Wales. The high cost is stopping some people from practising good skin safety – trying to make it go further by not applying enough, not regularly enough, or not at all.”

She added that removing VAT could encourage more people to use sunscreen properly and reduce pressure on the NHS.

Cancer rates and cost concerns

• Wales has the highest rate of skin cancer of any UK nation, according to Public Health Wales.
• Research by the charity Melanoma Focus found half of people in the UK think sunscreen is too expensive, while one in ten don’t use it at all because of the cost.

What happens next

Mr Drakeford told the Senedd he would be “willing to raise the point” again with the Treasury, given the arguments put forward and recent changes in personnel.

Campaigners say the move could make a practical difference to families struggling with the cost of living, while also helping to cut avoidable cancer cases.

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Second Welsh health board urges MMR uptake amid rising measles threat

Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging young people and families across west Wales to check their MMR vaccination status and book appointments this August, following a recent child death in England and a sharp rise in measles cases across Europe.

The warning comes just weeks after similar appeals from Swansea Bay University Health Board and Public Health Wales, highlighting gaps in immunisation among socially active age groups.

The call to action targets 11–24-year-olds, particularly those entering college, university or the workforce. These groups are considered at higher risk of transmission due to lower recorded vaccination rates and increased social contact.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda, said: “Measles is not a mild illness – it can lead to serious complications, especially in children and vulnerable individuals. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and our communities.”

The health board is offering appointments at local clinics across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire throughout August. Anyone unsure of their vaccination status or who knows they’ve missed a dose is encouraged to come forward.

Appointments can be booked by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 1) or emailing [email protected].

The renewed push follows a modelling report from Public Health Wales showing that some Welsh communities, especially in university towns like Swansea, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, may be vulnerable to sustained outbreaks. The European Region has reported 127,350 measles cases in 2024, the highest in over 25 years.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on the risks posed by unvaccinated teens and students in the region, warning that gaps in MMR coverage could trigger the next outbreak: 🔗 Swansea’s MMR gaps: Why unvaccinated teens and students could trigger next outbreak

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Port Talbot communities show resilience amid Tata Steel transition, but financial pressures loom

The survey, conducted in early 2025, paints a picture of solidarity and emotional resilience among residents of Neath Port Talbot, even as the fallout from Tata Steel’s restructuring continues to ripple through the region. The findings come just months after Swansea Bay News reported on the final shutdown of Blast Furnace 4 and the £1.25 billion investment in a new electric arc furnace — a move that promises a greener future but has already led to over 2,000 job losses.

According to the survey, 91% of respondents said they could rely on family and friends for support, and 83% felt their social relationships positively impacted their health and wellbeing. Despite the upheaval, 74% said their lives felt worthwhile, and 72% reported feeling happy — indicators that Public Health Wales describes as “key protective factors” in community resilience.

However, the emotional strength of the community is being tested by growing financial pressures. 15% of respondents said they had needed financial support in the past six months, with 60% of that support coming from informal networks like family and friends. Looking ahead, 74% of households expect to face financial strain, particularly with energy bills (56%), food costs (44%), and housing (26%).

Awareness of formal support services remains patchy. Just 32% of respondents knew financial support was available locally, although awareness was higher for mental health services (49%) and alcohol and drug support (42%). Digital platforms are key to outreach, with social media (57%), websites (26%), and email (24%) cited as preferred channels for accessing information.

The survey also explored perceptions of the Tata Steel transition. While only 8% said they or someone in their household was directly affected, 44% knew someone impacted. The community’s concerns were clear: 89% believed employment opportunities would suffer, 83% feared a decline in mental health, and 73% worried about a loss of community spirit. The only area seen as improving was air quality (76%), following the closure of coal-powered blast furnaces.

Professor Alisha Davies, Head of Research and Evaluation at Public Health Wales, said: “While the survey highlights the pressures residents are facing, it also shows the resilience, solidarity and community spirit that helps shape Neath Port Talbot. Such support will enable the area to retain that strength and spirit through this transition phase and into the future.”

The survey was developed in partnership with the Tata Steel UK Transition Board, which has been tasked with overseeing the £100 million support package for affected workers, businesses and communities. Marie Davies, Chair of the Board’s Community Relations and Wellbeing Workstream, said the findings would help shape future support services: “We continue to work on the essential building blocks for health of those affected and the next generation, through education, employment, housing and leisure opportunities.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt echoed the sentiment, pointing to the £19.8 million Employment and Skills Fund now in place. “This survey sets out well the particular local impact felt by communities in Neath Port Talbot,” he said. “I urge anyone affected to find out more at npt.gov.uk/TataTransition or visit the drop-in venues in Aberafan Shopping Centre.”

As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, the transition to electric arc steelmaking is expected to be completed by 2028, with Tata Steel promising a greener, more sustainable future for the site. But for many in Port Talbot, the road ahead remains uncertain — and the strength of community ties may prove to be the most vital asset of all.

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Wales v South Africa: Highest levels of cocaine found in wastewater

https://www.guilfordco.wales/wales-v-south-africa-highest-levels-of-cocaine-found-in-wastewater/

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