Vaccination plea after measles outbreak

They say eight cases have occurred across Northern Ireland over the past few weeks in the second outbreak this year.

These have involved Youth Initiatives, Down High School, Cedar Integrated Primary School in Downpatrick and Queen's University as well as Belfast Bible College.

They say all the confirmed cases to date have occurred in people who have not been vaccinated.

The PHA has now written to all those who have been exposed to the outbreaks, advising them of the situation and of the need to protect unvaccinated individuals with the MMR vaccine.

They say anyone who has not been vaccinated should go to their GP for the MMR vaccine as soon as possible.

The PHA is advising anyone who may have been in contact with a measles case and feels unwell to stay at home.

The Authority is also warning parents and individuals about the importance of protecting their children and themselves against what they say is 'a serious infectious disease'.

Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health (Health Protection) at the PHA, said: "In Northern Ireland we have had high uptake levels for MMR immunisation, which is why we have generally seen very few cases of measles compared to both the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

"However, these cases which have occurred in unvaccinated individuals are of serious concern and remind us that there is no room for complacency.

"MMR immunisation is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles infection. I would also emphasise that it is never too late to vaccinate and would encourage children and young people of all ages to have two doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure they are protected."

Around 9–11 days after being in contact with the measles infection, cold like symptoms may appear. The sufferer may also have red eyes and sensitive to light; a mild to severe temperature, tiny greyish-white spots (called Koplik's spots) in the mouth and throat. The sufferer can also suffer from tiredness, aches and pains; poor appetite; dry cough and a rash that appears 3-4 days after first symptoms, and can last up to eight days.