Twelve cases of measles have been confirmed in south Essex.

Since July 2018 Public Health England has been notified of 12 cases in South Essex and the organisation is now encouraging parents to check they and their children have had two doses of MMR vaccine

PHE is working with Southend Council, Essex County Council and the NHS to make sure health professionals and members of the public across the county, are aware of the need for two doses of the MMR vaccine as protection against the three viruses.

Consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England (PHE) East of England, Dr Smita Kapadia, said: “Measles can be a very serious illness and lead to severe complications, especially in pregnant women and those with serious underlying health conditions."

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.

It is possible for anyone at any age to get measles and the illness can be more severe in teenagers and adults than in young children.

Dr Kapadia added: “The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.

"It’s particularly important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at 1 year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age. If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly in light of the recent cases in South Essex. Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled, or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure.

“Measles is extremely infectious to anyone who may not be immune. If you think you could have measles, it is really important to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with lots of other people – especially vulnerable patients in hospitals, care homes or other settings.”

Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

• high fever

• sore, red, watery eyes

• coughing

• aching and feeling generally unwell

• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.