First confirmed case of measles in Jersey in eight years

Tuesday, 6 August 2024 07:00

An alert has been issued following the first confirmed case of measles in Jersey in eight years.

Public Health wants people in Jersey to check they and their children are fully up to date with their Measles, Mumps and Rubella jabs.

A positive case of measles has been confirmed in the island for the first time since 2016.

Measles is a disease which is highly contagious and can become serious for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people or those aged under one year old.

Symptoms include:

Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and coughing,
Sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to the light,
A high temperature (fever),
A red-brown blotchy rash will appear after a few days, usually starting on the head or upper neck.

The person who has the virus is recovering well at home. People they have been in contact with are being traced.

Grace Norman, Deputy Director of Public Health, says measles is preventable by vaccination and once fully immune you cannot catch, carry or pass on the illness.

"Jersey has good MMR vaccination rates which makes this a rare occurrence and reduces the chances of the disease spreading.

However, it is important that Islanders who may have come into contact with the positive case are alert to symptoms."

She says the best way islanders can protect themselves and their children is through the MMR vaccination, which is 'highly effective and safe'.

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

More than 2,000 cases of measles have been recorded in the UK so far this year.

People unsure about their vaccination status should contact their GP surgery or the Childhood Immunisation Team on 01534 443741.