SEVERAL cases of measles in Rhyl linked to a cinema, fast-food chain and a hospital's emergency department are being investigated.

Public Health Wales is investigating three confirmed cases of the infection, and two related suspected cases.

People - who visited particular areas of Rhyl - are being wanted to be alert to the signs and symptoms

Public Health Wales is warning people to be vigilant if they were in any of the following places:

The Vue cinema in Rhyl on the afternoon of Saturday, June 29.

The McDonalds restaurant on Rhyl high street on the afternoon of Saturday, June 29.

The accident and emergency department/GP out of hours waiting room at Glan Clwyd Hospital on the evening of Thursday, June 20, the morning of Sunday, June 30 or the evening of Sunday, June 30.

Anyone who may have been exposed to measles at these locations, who was born after 1970 and has not previously had measles, is advised to check that they are fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR, and should be vigilant to the symptoms of measles.

Parents of primary school children at Ysgol Clawdd Offa, Prestatyn, have been directly advised of the signs and symptoms of measles; one of the cases under investigation has been at the school while infectious.

Dr Chris Johnson, consultant in Health Protection, said: "At present, we are not investigating an outbreak of measles, as there is no evidence that measles has spread beyond one closely linked group of people. However, we are very aware that measles spreads quickly and easily between unvaccinated people and we do have concerns that others may have been exposed to the infection at the cinema, restaurant or healthcare waiting rooms last weekend.

"At all times, we advise anyone who has not been fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR to ensure they are protected against measles, which can be very serious and potentially fatal.

"With summer holidays coming up, and people attending large events and holidaying in countries where measles is common, we would especially urge everyone to ensure they and their children have received the MMR vaccine.”

Measles is very contagious and spreads easily to people who are not vaccinated. These include a high temperature, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a distinctive red rash, which commences on the back of the head, spreading to the face and onwards, down the body.

The rash typically appears three to five days after onset of symptoms.

Anyone who suspects they or their child has measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. They should alert their health care providers of the symptoms before attending any appointment.

Measles is highly infectious and the only way to prevent large outbreaks is through vaccination.

About one in five children with measles can experience serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia or meningitis. One in 10 children with measles ends up in hospital and in rare cases it can be fatal. Visit www.publichealthwales.org/measles