Numbers of reported measles cases surges

The number of children contracting measles has surged, according to figures released by the Health Protection Agency.

During 2010, there were 374 confirmed cases of measles in England and Wales.

This has risen this year, with a staggering 334 confirmed cases reported by the end of April 2011.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of the immunisation department at the Health Protection Agency, said: “We again are reminding parents and young adults of the importance of immunisation. Although MMR coverage has improved over the last few years, we cannot stress enough that measles is serious and in some cases it can be fatal.

“Measles is a highly infectious and potentially dangerous illness which spreads very easily. Whether you stay here in the UK or travel abroad it is crucial that individuals who may be at risk are fully immunised.”

So far the cases involve children and young adults under the age of 25 years, most of whom have not been vaccinated.

The highest number of cases has been in London with 104 reported, closely followed by the South East with 102.

In this South West region, there have been 28 confirmed cases of measles.