Seven new cases of measles in Shropshire
Shropshire has been hit by seven new cases of measles, including the first in Telford, health officials said today.
There have now been 12 confirmed cases and more than 60 suspected cases across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
The two confirmed cases in Telford are the first since the outbreak in Wales earlier this year which saw more than 1,000 cases and one suspected death from the disease.
More than 95 per cent of GP practices across England have now ordered additional measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines to combat the spread of the disease.
Dr Sue Ibbotson, PHE West Midlands Centre director, said: "Our ambition is to vaccinate 95 per cent of 10 to 16 year olds at risk in time for the next school year and the number of extra doses ordered by so many GP practices is very encouraging.
"Local public health teams have been working hard to encourage uptake with children and teenagers in the West Midlands.
"The message to parents who think their child may not be fully immunised is to check today and book an appointment with your GP. The vaccine is there waiting to be used and could save your child's life."
There has been a steady rise in cases. Figures showed 18 cases of measles in April in the West Midlands, on top of 20 cases from January to March this year.
In England there were 288 cases in April, up from 175 in April 2012, bringing the total number in 2013 to 962.
Helen Onions, interim assistant director of Public Health and Well Being, at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Vaccinations rates for MMR in the borough have traditionally been high and continue to increase.
"However, as these latest figures show there are a number of children who have not been vaccinated against measles and these children are at risk.
"With measles hotspots in neighbouring Shropshire and close by in Mid Wales, the best way to protect your child is to ensure that they are vaccinated, particularly before the start of the new school year in September as measles is a highly infectious disease that spreads easily, especially in schools.
"Our advice to parents and carers is to check children are vaccinated by looking at their child's health Red Book, and if you're still unsure to contact your family doctor.
"Your doctor will be able to tell you if your child has been vaccinated and arrange for vaccinations if these are needed."
The rise of the disease has occurred because some parents did not allow their children to have the vaccine due to an unfounded link between the jab and autism during the 1990s.