Hospital confirms child has died from measles

A CHILD has died after contracting measles, it has been reported.

- JOHN BESLEY and ELLIE NG

According to The Sunday Times newspaper, the child was ill with measles and other health problems and was receiving treatment at the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.

Measles, an infection that typically starts with cold-like symptoms followed by a rash and sometimes small spots in the mouth, is contagious and can lead to serious problems such as meningitis, blindness and seizures if it spreads to other parts of the body.

A statement from the Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “To respect patient confidentiality, we can’t comment on individual cases.

“We are concerned about the increasing number of children and young people who are contracting measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness which can cause children to be seriously unwell, requiring hospital treatment, and in rare cases, death.

“The number of children being treated at Alder Hey for effects and complications of measles is increasing (we have treated 17 since June).