A measles outbreak is spreading across Liverpool as the number of confirmed cases among local people has hit the 50 mark.

Large numbers of cases are of young children who have yet to be vaccinated against the disease and a small number of babies who are unable to be given the vaccine. Adults are also said to have been affected, and students are seen to be at a potential risk of the disease.

Siobhan Farmer, who works at the Health Protection
Agency, told JMU Journalism: “Measles is an
ever-present risk in universities and further education
colleges.

"Students who aren’t sure if they were fully
vaccinated as children should check with their GPs
and arrange to be immunised if necessary. All
under 25s can receive their MMR vaccinations free
with the NHS.”

Cases began to be reported last month in Liverpool
and St. Helens but now the disease has spread to
other boroughs, such as the Wirral, Knowsley
and Halton.

Children and students alike are being urged to get the MMR vaccination if they have not done so already and people who think they may have measles should see their GP immediately.

Ms. Farmer said: “Measles is an infectious viral illness that is spread when infected people cough or sneeze. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, sore eyes and a rash that develops three to four days after the onset of illness, starting with the face and head and spreading down the body.”

Warning letters have been sent out the parents in the local area and they are also being urged to check whether their child has been vaccinated against measles.

If you think you have measles or are experiencing any of the symptoms advice is available from the NHS website or on NHS Direct on 0845 4647.