A measles outbreak has been declared by health authorities in Northern Ireland after four cases were detected in children in south Belfast.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said the children infected with the disease had not been vaccinated. It has contacted the parents of other children who may been in contact with the infected children.

Unvaccinated children are advised to get protected with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

Dr Richard Smithson is a consultant in health protection with the PHA.

He said outbreaks are fewer compared with the rest of the UK and with the Republic of Ireland, due to a high uptake in vaccinations.

"However, cases which have occurred here in unvaccinated people are of serious concern and remind us that there is no room for complacency," he said.

"For those children and young people who have not been vaccinated, it is essential that they get vaccinated as soon as possible."

He said anyone who may have been exposed to the disease and who feels unwell should remain at home, even before the associated rash develops.

"If medical advice is needed, then they should phone the GP or out-of-hours service so that arrangements can be made to see the patient without putting others at risk," he added.

Statistics show one in 2,500-5,000 cases of measles can cause death. The disease is highly infectious and can affect children and adults.

(IT/GK)