Measles rates have increased in the UK, including in Somerset in the last year. The cases are in unvaccinated children, some associated with European travel.

Measles can be a very unpleasant illness. In some children it can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death. People in certain risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash.

Having two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine at the right time (dose 1 from 12 months and dose 2 from 3 years 4 months) is the best way to protect your child and help prevent it spreading, especially to those most vulnerable.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine give you excellent lifelong protection. If you or your child have missed out, contact your GP surgery to catch up as soon as possible. For more information, please visit Measles: symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment – GOV.UK.