Health leaders raise concern over measles

The main symptoms of measles re a fever and a rash

Health leaders have urged people to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations due to a rise in measles cases.

The Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said it was important people were fully protected.

The UK Health Security Agency said between 1 January and 30 September there were 149 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in England.

There were only 54 cases in the whole of 2022.

Jack Lewis, consultant in public health with the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: "Measles is more than just a rash. It is highly infectious and we're seeing cases on the rise."

He said there was no "treatment or cure" for measles, but the MMR vaccine offered "excellent protection".

"While we would strongly urge parents to make arrangements for their child to be vaccinated, it's worth emphasising the MMR vaccine isn't just for children.

"It is important at any age, particularly if you have a weakened immune system or long-term health condition."

There has been a drop in the number of people receiving their second MMR jab

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals and young infants.

It is also more severe in pregnancy, and increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm delivery.

The main symptoms are a fever and a rash but it can cause serious complications, including meningitis. For some, it is fatal.

Other symptoms include; sore, red, watery eyes, a cough and aching and feeling generally unwell.

At least 95% of children should have two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five, however the UK is below that figure.

Latest figures show only 84.5% had received a second shot of the MMR jab - the lowest level since 2010-11.