First confirmed measles case in NHS Grampian in more than decade

An NHS board in Scotland has recorded its first confirmed case of measles in more than a decade.

NHS Grampian has urged everyone – including adults and children – to ensure they are vaccinated against the illness.

The health board said it had traced contacts of the case and provided advice to everyone they had identified.

Measles is a serious illness and can be fatal.

Cases have been steadily increasing globally, due in part to a decreasing uptake in vaccination.

Last year, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recorded an uptick in measles cases, prompting the health board to urge people to get vaccinated.

Health officials in London are currently dealing with an outbreak mainly among unvaccinated young children.

UKHSA figures show that between January 1 and February 16, there have been 130 confirmed measles cases in England, an increase of 34 since the agency’s last report on February 12.

Activity is being driven by the outbreak in north London, which is impacting schools and nurseries and has left some children requiring hospital treatment.

Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of public health with NHS Grampian, said: “While I can’t discuss specific details, I can confirm we are investigating a confirmed case of measles in Grampian.

“Contact tracing has been carried out and advice provided to all identified contacts.

“Measles is a serious illness and can be fatal. Vaccination against measles is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. It is a safe and effective vaccine. I would strongly encourage parents/carers to ensure their child receives all vaccinations they are eligible for.

“However, I’m not only speaking to parents and carers. We know there are adults who, for whatever reason, were not immunised as children. They are at just as much risk of illness. It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

NHS Grampian said parents and carers should check their child’s Red Book to ensure they have received all the necessary vaccinations.

Adults who don’t have access to their Red Book or other healthcare records should contact their GP practice to ask about their vaccination record.

If you require immunisation this can be arranged at a vaccination centre by calling 01224 555 333. GP practices no longer offer vaccination.

Following changes to the childhood programme, brought in at the start of 2026, children up to the age of six years are now offered the MMRV, a vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).

The first dose is offered at 12-13 months, the second at 18-months. Anyone over the age of six years will be offered the MMR vaccine.

Mr Littlejohn said: “Information about the MMRV/MMR – indeed all vaccines offered on the NHS – can be found on the NHS Inform website.

“If you would prefer to have a conversation with someone, you can chat to your child’s health visitor or speak to the team at any of our vaccination centres. Please be assured, there is no such thing as a silly question, and vaccination teams are more than happy to take the time to answer your queries.”