Health officials in Scotland’s NHS Grampian region have confirmed a case of measles — the first in the area since 2014, ending more than a decade without any locally reported infections. (Yahoo)
The health board says contact tracing is already underway and that people identified as having been in close contact with the case have been given appropriate advice. While specific personal details about the patient have not been released, public health leaders have emphasised the seriousness of the infection and the importance of vaccination. (Yahoo News)
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or even death, particularly in people who are unvaccinated or have only received one dose of vaccine. (Yahoo)
Officials from NHS Grampian, including Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of public health, reminded the public that measles vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and is both safe and effective. They urged parents to check that their children’s immunisations are up to date and encouraged adults who missed routine childhood vaccination to contact their GP or vaccination centre — “it’s not too late” to get protected. (Yahoo News)
Children in Scotland can receive the combined MMRV vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) up to age six. Those who missed one or both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine (generally given at around 12–13 months and 3–4 years) are still advised to arrange catch-up immunisation. (Yahoo News)
The health board’s alert comes amid a broader rise in measles cases across the UK. In England alone, more than 130 confirmed cases have been reported so far this year, driven in part by lower vaccination coverage and community transmission. (Yahoo News)
Public health authorities continue to stress that maintaining high levels of measles immunisation is critical to preventing outbreaks and protecting those most vulnerable to severe disease. (Yahoo)