Two further cases of measles confirmed in Scotland
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Public Health Scotland (PHS) is aware of five cases of laboratory confirmed measles in Scotland since October 2023, all of which have been linked to travel.
The latest two cases were confirmed on February 16.
Nationally a further 56 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been confirmed in England for the week to February 15 compared to 118 cases confirmed in the previous two weeks.
This brings the total number of cases confirmed since October 1, 2023 to 521.
Although the initial outbreak in the West Midlands has driven the increase in cases, researchers are now starting to see clusters of cases in other regions.
In the four weeks since January 15, 2024, there have been 166 laboratory confirmed measles cases.
The West Midlands accounted for the majority of these (91 of 166), mostly in Birmingham, although case numbers in that region appear to be stabilising; (20 of 166) of cases have been in London; (17 of 166) in the North West, in Yorkshire and the Humber (16 of 166) and (15 of 166) in the East Midlands.
PHS is encouraging the public to take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
To see if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s personal child health record (PCHR), known as the red book, or contact your GP practice.
Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.
Anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine is encouraged to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an appointment in their local health board area.
Uptake of MMR has declined across all UK nations in recent years and there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age.
Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of any age if they have not been vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3 years 4 months.
If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.
Health care workers should also have two doses of MMR and are advised to speak to with their employer or occupational health department if they haven't been fully vaccinated.
Further information on measles and the MMR vaccine can be found on at: www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/mmr-against-measles
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, PHS said: “The appropriate health protection measures are being taken across health boards to ensure close contacts of confirmed measles cases are informed and advised on what to do if symptoms develop.
"They could be offered the MMR vaccine if not fully vaccinated or post exposure protection if considered appropriate.
“As measles cases continue to increase across other parts of the UK and Europe, we’re working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
"Some health boards are working to identify those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine) and running vaccination clinics to offer second doses, or full courses as needed. Two doses are needed to give full protection.
“Given the current links to travel, we would also encourage those who are planning to travel anytime soon to ensure you and your children are up to date with all your vaccinations before leaving the country.”
The first symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected.
These can include-
Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough.
Sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light.
Watery eyes.
Swollen eyes.
A high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40°C (104°F).
Small greyish-white spots in the mouth.
Aches and pains.
Loss of appetite.
Tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy.
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.
The rash is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches usually first appears on the head or neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body is slightly itchy for some people.
