'Vital' that youngsters are protected against measles

The Public Health Agency has confirmed there have been two cases of measles in the past couple of weeks. Both cases were associated with a volunteer youth work initiative.

The PHA has written to all volunteers advising them if not already vaccinated to go to their GP for an MMR vaccine as soon as possible. It is also advising anyone who feels unwell to stay at home, as this is an infectious condition even before the associated rash develops.

Dr Richard Smithson, consultant in communicable disease control for the PHA said: "We would also emphasise that it is never too late to vaccinate and would encourage children and young people of all ages at least until their early twenties to ensure that they have had two doses. It is vitally important to ensure children and young people's vaccinations are up to date, particularly if they are in group settings.

"In Northern Ireland we have had high uptake levels for MMR, which is why we have seen very few case of measles compared to both the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. However, these cases remind us that there is no room for complacency."

Although most common in children, measles can occur at any age. It is very infectious and can be caught either through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air when the patient coughs or sneezes.