MEASLES infections have surged in Scotland sparking fears over vaccine uptake.
There were 24 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2024 – with almost half linked to international travel – amid the worst outbreak in Europe in 25 years.
Measles infections are surging in Scotland[/caption]
Health experts have blamed the rise on a low uptake in the MMR vaccine[/caption]
The World Health Organisation is urging people to get jabbed to protect themselves[/caption]
And now health experts have revealed 22 virus infections have already been detected so far in 2025.
This compared to just one case recorded in Scotland in each of 2023 and 2022, with no infections reported in the two years before that.
Measles is highly contagious and can damage the lungs and brain, potentially leading to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The surge – revealed in a Public Health Scotland report – emerged as the World Health Organisation warned that measles “is back”, with experts blaming rising cases on a dip in MMR vaccination rates.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, warned: “Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.
“Every country must step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities.”
There were 127,250 measles infections in Europe last year, double the number recorded in 2023 and the highest number since 1997.
In Scotland, the PHS report said the Lothian health board area recorded eight measles cases last year, the highest in the country.
There were six infections in NHS Fife, six in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, two in NHS Tayside, one in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and one in NHS Highland.
Among the 24 cases recorded in Scotland last year, 11 are thought to be related to international travel and four have been linked to the rest of the UK.
Nine of the infections led to hospital admissions and there were no deaths connected to the virus in 2024.
Eight cases were identified among people aged 20 to 29, with just two diagnoses among children aged under one to four.
And if the infections so far in 2025 continue to rise at a similar rate, totals would pass 100 and far outstrip the 54 cases recorded in 2008, which was the most since the millennium.
Scottish Tory shadow cabinet secretary for health, Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP, said: “Measles is an entirely preventable illness and this deeply concerning surge lies at the door of neglectful SNP secretaries who have failed to ensure people get their vaccines.
“Neil Gray must get on top of this issue immediately and guarantee resources will be in place to support everyone eligible for a vaccine gets one as swiftly as possible.”
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s health spokesperson, said: “The return of a life-threatening disease is a stark reminder of why we need robust vaccination programmes, yet child vaccination has slipped on the SNP’s watch.
“The SNP must urgently address this worrying trend while ensuring immunisation opportunities reach every part of our communities.
“Scottish Labour will prioritise public health and restore the family doctor so that diseases like measles remain a relic of the past.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, said: “This is a really concerning uptick. Measles is highly contagious and for some people it can be very serious.
“A surge in cases also piles on pressure for our already overwhelmed NHS.
“The Scottish Government should be stressing the importance of getting vaccinated because that is the best protection from becoming ill. My party also want to see faster access to local healthcare, getting everyone the care they need and cutting cases.”
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash appearing a few days later.
It can lead to lifelong disabilities and can affect people of any age.
Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF regional director for Europe and Central Asia, said: “Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia have soared over the past two years – pointing to gaps in immunisation coverage.
“To protect children from this deadly and debilitating disease, we need urgent government action including sustained investment in health care workers.”
One of the biggest outbreaks in Scotland in modern times was in 1994, when 536 infections of the virus were detected in Scotland as low vaccination rates led to surges across the globe.
Public Health Scotland has been contacted for comment.
