Two of the most dangerous diseases affecting young children in Northern Ireland are no longer being transmitted here.

Evidence presented to a recent meeting of an Independent Expert Advisory Group on Vaccinations showed there were no confirmed reports of rubella and just one case of measles that is likely to have been acquired through contact with a case not originating in Northern Ireland.

The news has been heralded as a “great triumph” for Northern Ireland ‘s department of health’s vaccination programme.

Dr Brian Smyth, Regional Epidemiologist and head of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, explained that in looking at all the results for the year 2000 there had been no confirmed cases of rubella and only one of measles in the whole of Northern Ireland.

Explaining how results are collected, Dr Smyth said: "Every time a GP sees a possible case of measles or rubella they have to report it to the local Health Board. They are then sent a kit to get a saliva sample from the child, which can be tested to confirm if this really was a case. Other viruses can cause a rash similar to measles or rubella, and it is only through doing a laboratory test we can really tell the difference."

Dr Alan McMillan, a Community Paediatrician with North and West Belfast Trust, and a member of the Independent Advisory Group, welcomed the news, saying: "Both of these conditions used to cause serious problems and it is great not to see them anymore. It is now many years since I have seen a baby with congenital rubella syndrome - a very serious condition that babies had if their mother caught German measles during pregnancy - and I hope I never see a case again.”

However, Dr Smithson Chairman of the Independent Advisory Group urged against complacency: He said: "Getting rid of these diseases is a direct result of our good vaccination uptake levels, but if our uptake levels fall then there is no doubt these diseases will return." (AMcE)