NHS Grampian confirms second case of measles since 2014

A second case of measles has been confirmed in the NHS Grampian area.

It comes after the health board last month confirmed its first case of the illness in more than a decade.

NHS Grampian said the second case was not linked to the first - but stressed it was not being classed as an outbreak.

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes. The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and death.

Vaccination against measles is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.

All adults and children are being encouraged to make sure they are vaccinated.

NHS Grampian said cases have been steadily increasing globally, due in part to a decreasing uptake in vaccination.

Until last month, the previous case in the Grampian area was in 2014.

There were 28 cases of the illness in Scotland last year - four more than in 2024.

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

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

"Measles is a serious illness but it can be easily prevented. Vaccination is safe, effective, and for everyone, at any age."

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread through coughs and sneezes and contaminated surfaces.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Sore, red and watery eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Small white spots appearing inside the mouth

A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically behind the ears and on the face, before spreading.