confirm that in the first quarter of 2019 there were 231 confirmed cases of measles in England.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health urges parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated to protect them from the devastating illness.
In response to the new data, Professor Helen Bedford of RCPCH said:
Measles is a highly infectious, potentially serious disease, and England has not escaped the recent increase in cases we have seen globally. Luckily we have ready access to a free, highly effective and safe means of stopping ongoing outbreaks in their tracks: MMR vaccine. Most toddlers have had their MMR vaccine but many people, particularly teenagers and young adults in whom the disease is often more serious, have been left unimmunised.
If your or your child is unvaccinated or you are in doubt about whether you or your child is protected, contact your GP practice. Vaccination only takes a few minutes but will protect you from a nasty disease which could result in life changing complications or even death. One dose of vaccine is good, but two are better for best protection.