Warning after positive measles case confirmed

Public Health leaders said the island has good MMR vaccination rates, making it a "rare occurrence"

A warning has been issued after a positive case of measles was confirmed in Jersey.

Public Health said it was urging islanders to ensure they were fully up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

Officials said the single confirmed case was the first known case locally for eight years.

Deputy director Grace Norman said the island had "good MMR vaccination rates" which "reduces the chances" of the disease spreading.

Highly contagious

Public Health said measles was a highly contagious disease which can be "very serious" in those who are immunocompromised, pregnant or aged under a year old.

It said the disease had been circulating in the UK and other countries recently.

Public Health said symptoms of measles included a high temperature, a runny nose, cough and a red-brown blotchy rash which usually started on the head or upper neck.

Ms Norman said: "The best way to protect yourself and your children is through the MMR vaccination, which is highly effective and safe.

"I encourage islanders to make sure that they and their children are vaccinated.

"It is particularly important to make sure that everyone is up to date with their vaccination schedule before travelling abroad, given the high number of cases of measles in other countries."

Ms Norman said the individual who tested positive was "recovering well" and "necessary precautions" had been implemented.