Menu
09/05/2024
Confirmed Cases Of Measles In NI Raises To Ten
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has emphasised the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine as it confirmed that a number of linked cases of measles have been identified in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area – bringing the total cases of measles in NI to 10.
Urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, Louise Flanagan, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: "Measles is highly infectious and is caused by a virus that can easily spread between unvaccinated people, which is what has happened here. This cluster impacts two schools, which thankfully have fairly high MMR uptake rates, so disruption to the school community has been lessened. However, this is a timely reminder to parents about the importance of the MMR vaccine in helping to protect your children and preventing against this highly infectious and serious disease.
"Measles can be unpleasant and will usually clear in about seven to 10 days without causing any further problems, unfortunately, for some individuals, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. It used to be very common in children, but following the introduction of the MMR vaccine, cases became rare, with no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland in the last seven years until recently. Two doses of the MMR vaccine help provide the best protection against these diseases."
As measles is very infectious it is important that anyone with suspected measles avoids any situation where they can spread the disease, such as a GP's waiting room or an emergency department. People should phone in advance and get advice rather than turning up to a healthcare setting, except in an emergency.
The initial symptoms of measles can include:
• a high temperature (fever);
• a runny or blocked nose;
• sneezing;
• a cough;
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light;
• a few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This may start on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
Most childhood rashes are not measles but you should consult your GP without delay if:
• you suspect it is measles;
• symptoms worsen;
• temperature increases to above 38°C;
• temperature stays high after other symptoms have gone.
Louise Flanagan continued: "The identification of additional measles cases in Northern Ireland is not unexpected, as we have seen a significant rise in cases in England and across Europe. In order to help prevent serious illness and outbreaks, it is vital that those who have not had their two doses of the MMR vaccine act now and help reduce the risks from this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.
"We have seen a fall in the numbers of children receiving the MMR vaccines and these children are now at risk. It is therefore important that unvaccinated children and young adults get any missed MMR vaccines as soon as possible.
"If you are unsure if your child has received their two doses of the MMR vaccine, check their 'red book' or contact your GP practice to find out."
For information on the MMR vaccination see www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr
For further information on measles see www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/measles
Urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, Louise Flanagan, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: "Measles is highly infectious and is caused by a virus that can easily spread between unvaccinated people, which is what has happened here. This cluster impacts two schools, which thankfully have fairly high MMR uptake rates, so disruption to the school community has been lessened. However, this is a timely reminder to parents about the importance of the MMR vaccine in helping to protect your children and preventing against this highly infectious and serious disease.
"Measles can be unpleasant and will usually clear in about seven to 10 days without causing any further problems, unfortunately, for some individuals, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. It used to be very common in children, but following the introduction of the MMR vaccine, cases became rare, with no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland in the last seven years until recently. Two doses of the MMR vaccine help provide the best protection against these diseases."
As measles is very infectious it is important that anyone with suspected measles avoids any situation where they can spread the disease, such as a GP's waiting room or an emergency department. People should phone in advance and get advice rather than turning up to a healthcare setting, except in an emergency.
The initial symptoms of measles can include:
• a high temperature (fever);
• a runny or blocked nose;
• sneezing;
• a cough;
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light;
• a few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This may start on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
Most childhood rashes are not measles but you should consult your GP without delay if:
• you suspect it is measles;
• symptoms worsen;
• temperature increases to above 38°C;
• temperature stays high after other symptoms have gone.
Louise Flanagan continued: "The identification of additional measles cases in Northern Ireland is not unexpected, as we have seen a significant rise in cases in England and across Europe. In order to help prevent serious illness and outbreaks, it is vital that those who have not had their two doses of the MMR vaccine act now and help reduce the risks from this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.
"We have seen a fall in the numbers of children receiving the MMR vaccines and these children are now at risk. It is therefore important that unvaccinated children and young adults get any missed MMR vaccines as soon as possible.
"If you are unsure if your child has received their two doses of the MMR vaccine, check their 'red book' or contact your GP practice to find out."
For information on the MMR vaccination see www.nidirect.gov.uk/mmr
For further information on measles see www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/measles
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 February 2024
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Outbreaks 'Likely' Without Uptake In MMR Vaccinations
Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer has warned that outbreaks of measles are "likely" without action to increase the uptake of the MMR vaccine.
22 February 2024
Confirmed Case Of Measles Diagnosed In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that one case of measles has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland. Close contacts have been notified and all appropriate public health actions are being undertaken.
Confirmed Case Of Measles Diagnosed In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that one case of measles has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland. Close contacts have been notified and all appropriate public health actions are being undertaken.
04 June 2024
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccination Campaign
With 11 confirmed measles cases in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new campaign focussing on the importance of getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has been in community pharmacies.
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccination Campaign
With 11 confirmed measles cases in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new campaign focussing on the importance of getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has been in community pharmacies.
21 March 2024
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
08 February 2024
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccine Campaign Amid Rising Cases
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the growing threat of measles. First and second doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are now being offered to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around.
PHA Launches New MMR Vaccine Campaign Amid Rising Cases
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the growing threat of measles. First and second doses of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are now being offered to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
