Measles warning for parents in East Sussex

In East Sussex, more than one in 10 children turning five had not had the necessary two doses of the MMR vaccination according to the latest figures

Health bosses in East Sussex are urging parents and carers to check their children are up to date with measles vaccinations amid a surge of cases across the country.

In East Sussex, more than one in 10 children turning five had not had the necessary two doses of the MMR vaccination according to the latest figures from 2023-24, and 10% turning two had not had their first dose.

UK Health Security Agency figures show more than 520 confirmed cases of measles in England since the beginning of the year, including one which claimed the life of a child in Liverpool.

Darrell Gale, director of public health in East Sussex, said: "Measles is an extremely infectious virus that spreads very easily."

He added that while some people experienced no symptoms, the virus could be "extremely dangerous to others".

"The tragic death of a young child from measles in Liverpool highlights the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations," he said.

"Two vaccines are needed to be fully protected and, whilst ideally children should receive the MMR vaccine at 13 months and again at three years and four months, it is never too late to catch up."

Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show more than 520 confirmed cases of measles in England since the beginning of the year

In most people, measles can cause a high temperature, cold-like symptoms, sore watery eyes, white spots in the mouth and a rash, but complications can lead to blindness, meningitis, pneumonia and even death, according to the NHS.

Mr Gale added: "To prevent the virus spreading, vaccination rates need to be around 95%.

"The rate across England is currently at around 84%."

The NHS said anyone experiencing symptoms should stay at home and urgently call their GP or NHS 111.

To avoid passing on the infection, people should not go to their doctor's surgery or hospital unless a healthcare professional has asked them to, added the spokesperson.