The East Region Health Protection Team are currently investigating a confirmed case of measles in northeast Fife.
The close contacts of the individual have been contacted and measures put in place to help reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread.
Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect those of any age if they have not been vaccinated. The virus is highly transmissible and while there have only been two confirmed cases in Scotland since October 2023, Measles has been increasingly prevalent in other parts of the UK in recent months, as well as in mainland Europe.
People in Fife are being urged to familiarise themselves with the most common symptoms of the virus. These include:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red or watery eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40°C (104°F)
- small greyish-white spots in the mouth
- aches and pains
- loss of appetite
- tiredness, irritability, and a general lack of energy
The best protection against the virus is to receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is usually offered in early childhood although can be given at any age and offers life-long protection against the virus.
Anyone who has not had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, can arrange vaccination through Fife’s Immunisation Team. The team are available Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.00pm by phone on: 01383 565456, or by email at: Fife.immunisationqueries@nhs.scot.
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