Second case of measles confirmed in NHS Grampian

An NHS board in Scotland has recorded its second confirmed case of measles, with no link to the original patient.

Last week, NHS Grampian announced it had had the first instance of the disease in more than a decade.

“This second case is not linked to the first confirmed case in any way, and we would certainly not describe this as an outbreak,” Chris Littlejohn, deputy director of public health with NHS Grampian, said.

“However, confirming a second case locally highlights how much more common measles has become.”

Medics have urged everyone – including adults and children – to ensure they are vaccinated against the illness.

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

Measles is a serious illness and can be fatal. As of March 4, there have been six laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2026.

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

There were 28 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Scotland in 2025, and 24 in 2024.

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.

Mr Littlejohn said: “Measles is a serious illness but it can be easily prevented. Vaccination is safe, effective, and for everyone, at any age. It is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme, and I would strongly encourage parents/carers to ensure their child receives all vaccinations they are eligible for.

“Adults are at just as much risk of measles and it’s never 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.