BROMSGROVE, Rubery and South Birmingham parents are being urged to get their children inoculated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Katie Spence, regional director of Public Health England, said: “Since the end of October 2017 we have had an ongoing outbreak of measles in the West Midlands, largely centred on Birmingham and Solihull.
“However we’re now seeing cases around the region. There are now just over 100 lab confirmed cases in the West Midlands with figures still rising. There are also outbreaks in other parts of the country, so increased risk of infection for all who are not fully immunised with two doses of MMR.
“Measles is a highly infectious virus which can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools. While most people who catch measles will recover completely within a couple of weeks, it’s important to remember measles can be a very serious illness that can leave permanent disability and occasionally even kill.”
Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine for maximum protection.
Anyone who has not had two doses of MMR should arrange to be immunised as soon as possible through their GP.
