By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 09:48, Thursday, 14 August 2008

PARENTS in Cumbria are being urged to protect their children against measles in the wake of a national rise in the number of confirmed cases of the disease.

Estimates suggest that a measles epidemic in Britain could result in 30,000 cases or in a worst case scenario, more than 100,000 cases of measles in children and young people.

In recent years there has been a reduced uptake of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine and this has led to a reduction in the population’s immunity to the infections, say health bosses.

There have already been substantial outbreaks of measles in Lancashire, although not as yet in Cumbria.

MMR vaccine is given in two doses and the latest figures show that by the age of two, 91 per cent of Cumbrian children have received one dose of MMR and by aged five, 86 per cent have completed their course of two vaccines.

These figures are amongst the highest in England but are below the recommended 95 per cent. The Department of Health has asked the NHS to focus on offering MMR vaccine to children and young people aged 13 months to 18 years who have not had any MMR vaccine, and then to move on to offer the vaccine to those who have had one dose already. This will include children and also young people about to go to college and university.

Dr Nigel Calvert, associate director of public health for NHS Cumbria, , said: “The figures show that Cumbrian parents have continued to support MMR in very large numbers and - compared to the many other parts of the country - our children are well protected.

“I am concerned though, that we get as many children as possible fully protected. Being a tourist destination, it is possible that people may bring measles into the county.

“Parents of children in Cumbria whose records show that they have not been fully immunised against measles, mumps and rubella will receive letters in due course.”

Anyone who is concerned is encouraged to seek advice from their GP, health visitor or practice nurse. Information on MMR vaccine is available at www.immunisation.nhs.uk

Information on Measles, Mumps and Rubella infection is available at www.hpa.org.uk