There have been more than 400 cases of measles confirmed in England so far this year, health officials have said.
The cases – well above the 267 seen across the whole of last year – are linked to “ongoing large outbreaks in Europe”, particularly in Romania and Italy, according to Public Health England.
Up to 9th May, there were 440 cases confirmed by laboratories, including 164 in London, 86 in the South East, 78 in the West Midlands, 42 in the South West and 37 in West Yorkshire.
Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications and, in rare cases, death.
People are being encouraged to check if they have had two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine – and to contact their GP if they are unsure.
Among those most affected are young people and adults over 15 who may have missed out on the vaccine when they were younger.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: “This serves as an important reminder for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children at one year of age and as a preschool booster at three years and four months of age.
“We’d also encourage people to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccine before travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks.
“The UK recently achieved WHO measles elimination status and so the overall risk of measles to the UK population is low, however, we will continue to see cases in unimmunised individuals and limited onward spread can occur in communities with low MMR coverage and in age groups with very close mixing.”
Measles symptoms include fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis and cough.
Usually, a rash develops, starting at the head, then spreading to the limbs over three to four days.
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Source: Sky news
