Measles: First case in seven years confirmed in Northern Ireland

The first case of measles has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland for seven years

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that a case of measles has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland.

The PHA said the case was confirmed in an adult who picked it up while travelling.

Close contacts have been notified and "all appropriate public health actions are being undertaken".

It is the first case of measles in Northern Ireland for seven years. Cases have been rising across Great Britain and Ireland in recent weeks.

The last confirmed case of measles in Northern Ireland was in 2017.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA said "it is vital that those who have not had their two doses of the MMR vaccine to act now and reduce the risks from this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease".

A vaccination catch-up programme is currently under way in Northern Ireland. It's offering first and second doses of the MMR to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years old who missed getting the vaccines first time around.

Measles is highly infectious and is caused by a virus that can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

Dr McClean said identification of a case of measles in Northern Ireland "was not unexpected".

"We have seen a decrease in the numbers of children receiving the MMR vaccines. It is therefore important that children and young adults get any missed MMR vaccines as soon as possible," she said.

"If you are unsure if your child or you have received the two doses of the MMR vaccine, check the red book or contact your GP practice to find out."

Earlier this month an adult who had contracted measles died in hospital in the Republic of Ireland.