A “WORRYING” number of measles cases have been reported this month leading to fears of an epidemic.

Parents are now being urged to immunise their children with the MMR vaccination after 15 cases of suspected measles have been reported in Worcestershire this month.

The number is substantially higher than the 26 suspected cases reported from January to October this year.

Dr David Kirrage, director for the Health Protection Agency in Worcestershire, said: “We are on the cusp of a measles epidemic and we must do all we can to head it off by encouraging parents to immunise their children.

“The only sure way for an individual to avoid measles is to have two doses of MMR vaccine, preferably by the age of five, but at any age if people have been previously unvaccinated.”

Measles is an unpleasant illness affecting people of any age and complications can be severe and often long lasting.

Some of the early symptoms include fever, persistent dry cough, running nose, sore painful throat, tiredness, headaches and pain in the joints of the hands, wrists and knees.

On rare occasions the disease can lead to death.

The national target is for 95 per cent of children to be immunised with their first MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jab just after their first birthday, with a second jab for pre-school youngsters.

In Worcestershire the level of immunisation is below this national target.

The latest figures show 88 per cent of all children aged five and under have had one dose of the vaccine but only 78 per cent of children will have the full protection afforded by two doses.

Dr Richard Harling, director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “My fear is that we will see further outbreaks, here and elsewhere in the region. It is never too late to get vaccinated – simply contact your GP to book a vaccination.”

In the past parents have refused to let their children have the combined jab over fears it could damage their child.

Dr Harling said: “Public concerns about the safety of this vaccine are completely unfounded.

“MMR is proven to be a safe and effective vaccine and is given to millions of children worldwide.”

More information can be found at immunisation.nhs. uk, by speaking to your GP or by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647.