HOSPITAL officials are contacting the parents of 22 North-East children after a young patient was found to have measles.

The three-year-old boy was admitted to the children's ward at the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, on Tuesday, and discharged the following day.

His parents contacted hospital authorities when he started showing signs of measles.

Officials at the County Durham and Darlington Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust made arrangements to contact the parents of other children who may have been exposed to infection.

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases. It is usually a relatively mild childhood illness but, in very rare cases, it can lead to serious complications and even death.

Children are most commonly affected by measles, which leads to a red rash, fever, a cough and sore eyes.

But adults who have not had measles before or have not been immunised against it can also catch it.

To try to minimise the risk of infection, the 22 youngsters will be offered the triple MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine if they have not already had it. Some hospital staff are also being offered MMR.

If the vaccine is given to non-immune people within three days of being exposed to the infection it can reduce the chance of developing the illness.

It can also reduce the severity of the illness if it does develop.

Laura Robson, director of nursing for the County Durham and Darlington trust, said: "The child was nursed in a single cubicle while he was on the ward so the risk to other children is small.

"However, as a precautionary measure we are contacting all of the families of children who may have been in contact with the child when he was on the ward to offer them the MMR vaccine if they haven't already had the recommended two doses.

"This is also an opportunity to emphasise the importance of all children having two doses of MMR vaccine to make sure they are fully protected against measles mumps and rubella.

"Cases of measles are increasing in this country and it's important that parents make sure their children are fully protected against this very serious illness."

Anyone who is concerned about a sick child should contact their GP or the telephone advice service NHS Direct 0845-46-47.