{"id":307870,"date":"2026-02-24T15:02:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/307870\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T15:02:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:02:15","slug":"first-confirmed-measles-case-in-nhs-grampian-in-more-than-decade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/307870\/","title":{"rendered":"First confirmed measles case in NHS Grampian in more than decade"},"content":{"rendered":"

An NHS board in Scotland has recorded its first confirmed case of measles in more than a decade.<\/p>\n

NHS Grampian has urged everyone \u2013 including adults and children \u2013 to ensure they are vaccinated against the illness.<\/p>\n

The health board said it had traced contacts of the case and provided advice to everyone they had identified.<\/p>\n

Measles is a serious illness and can be fatal. As of February 18, there have been four laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2026.<\/p>\n

Cases have been steadily increasing globally, due in part to a decreasing uptake in vaccination.<\/p>\n

There were 28 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2025, and 24 in 2024.<\/p>\n

Last year, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recorded an uptick in measles cases, prompting the health board to urge people to get vaccinated.<\/p>\n

Health officials in London are currently dealing with an outbreak mainly among unvaccinated young children.<\/p>\n

UKHSA figures show that between January 1 and February 16, there have been 130 confirmed measles cases in England, an increase of 34 since the agency\u2019s last report on February 12.<\/p>\n

Activity is being driven by the outbreak in north London, which is impacting schools and nurseries and has left some children requiring hospital treatment.<\/p>\n

Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of public health with NHS Grampian, said: \u201cWhile I can\u2019t discuss specific details, I can confirm we are investigating a confirmed case of measles in Grampian.<\/p>\n

\u201cContact tracing has been carried out and advice provided to all identified contacts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeasles is a serious illness and can be fatal. Vaccination against measles is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. It is a safe and effective vaccine. I would strongly encourage parents\/carers to ensure their child receives all vaccinations they are eligible for.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, I\u2019m not only speaking to parents and carers. We know there are adults who, for whatever reason, were not immunised as children. They are at just as much risk of illness. It\u2019s not too late to get vaccinated.\u201d<\/p>\n

NHS Grampian said parents and carers should check their child\u2019s Red Book to ensure they have received all the necessary vaccinations.<\/p>\n

Adults who don\u2019t have access to their Red Book or other healthcare records should contact their GP practice to ask about their vaccination record.<\/p>\n

If you require immunisation this can be arranged at a vaccination centre by calling 01224 555 333. GP practices no longer offer vaccination.<\/p>\n

Following changes to the childhood programme, brought in at the start of 2026, children up to the age of six years are now offered the MMRV, a vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).<\/p>\n

The first dose is offered at 12-13 months, the second at 18-months. Anyone over the age of six years will be offered the MMR vaccine.<\/p>\n

Mr Littlejohn said: \u201cInformation about the MMRV\/MMR \u2013 indeed all vaccines offered on the NHS \u2013 can be found on the NHS Inform website.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would prefer to have a conversation with someone, you can chat to your child\u2019s health visitor or speak to the team at any of our vaccination centres. Please be assured, there is no such thing as a silly question, and vaccination teams are more than happy to take the time to answer your queries.\u201d<\/p>\n

STV News is now on WhatsApp<\/p>\n

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