Liverpool child death linked to measles after outbreak

A child in Liverpool is believed to have died after contracting measles, just days after health officials issued a warning over an outbreak in the area.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

The child was severely ill with measles as well as other serious health problems and was being treated in the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, it was reported.

The tragedy comes after the top NHS hospital, which has treated 17 measles cases since June, this week issued an alert over the outbreak and urged parents to get their children vaccinated.

In a statement yesterday, the hospital 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.”

The hospital added that it treats many children with compromised immunity due to other health issues, making them more vulnerable to infections such as measles.