Public Health England (PHE) is raising awareness of measles outbreaks in the UK and Europe and warning anyone travelling to Europe over the Christmas period to check National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health advice.

As of 8 December 2017, there have been 28 confirmed cases in Leeds, 18 confirmed cases in Liverpool, 13 confirmed cases in Birmingham, seven confirmed cases in Surrey, and four confirmed cases in Manchester. All of the cases have been reported in children and adults who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “The measles outbreaks we are currently seeing in England are linked to ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. People who have recently travelled, or are planning to travel to Romania, Italy and Germany and have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine are particularly at risk.”

The MMR vaccine is available to all adults and children who are not up to date with their two doses and anyone who is not sure if they are fully vaccinated should be advised to check with their GP practice.