UK faces measles outbreak

Measles has affected five regions in England, with more than 100 cases confirmed, leading public health experts to urge parents to immunise their children against the disease.

Public Health England (PHE) has warned that the UK could be on the verge of an outbreak due to an increase in cases across Europe.

People who have recently visited Romania, Italy and Germany and have not been fully immunised against measles via the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are believed to be most at risk.

“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 pre-school booster at three years and four months of age,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE. “Children and young adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine in the past or are unsure if they had two doses should contact their GP practice to catch up.”