05 August 2024
Public Health are encouraging Islanders to check that they and their children are fully up to
date with their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations as Jersey confirms a
positive case in the Island.
Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be very serious in those who are
immunocompromised, pregnant or aged under one year old. The disease has been
circulating in the UK and other countries recently. This is the first known case in Jersey for
eight years.
Symptoms of measles include:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever)
- a red-brown blotchy rash will appear after a few days.
This usually starts on the
head or upper neck
Grace Norman, Deputy Director of Public Health said: “A single case of measles has been
confirmed in Jersey. The individual is recovering well at home and all necessary
precautions are taking place, including contact tracing.
“Measles is preventable by vaccination and once fully immune you cannot catch, carry or
pass on the illness. Jersey has good MMR vaccination rates which makes this a rare
occurrence and reduces the chances of the disease spreading. However, it is important
that Islanders who may have come into contact with the positive case are alert to
symptoms.
“The best way to protect yourself and your children is through the MMR vaccination, which
is highly effective and safe. I encourage Islanders to make sure that they and their children
are vaccinated. It is particularly important to make sure that everyone is up to date with
their vaccination schedule before travelling abroad given the higher number of cases of
measles in other countries.
“If you’re not sure if you or your child has been vaccinated, contact your GP surgery or the
Childhood Immunisation Team on 01534 443741.”
gov.je