PARENTS have been urged to check their children for signs of measles – after a rash of cases in Gloucestershire.

Health experts at Public Health England have also asked parents to make sure that they and their children have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

There have been eight confirmed cases of the virus, already in Gloucestershire, as well as a further 12 probable and five possible cases among children and young adults.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. Initially, people suffer cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a high temperature and feeling sensitive to light.

After a few days, a red-brown blotchy rash appears, usually on the head or upper neck. The rash then spreads outwards to the rest of the body.

Most people recover from measles within seven to 10 days. However, it will claim the life of one in every 5,000 people who fall ill.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health England South West, said: “While measles is now relatively uncommon in England thanks to the MMR vaccine, those who are unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated, remain susceptible to the disease.

“The cases we have seen recently have affected young children.

"It is important to be aware that it is never too late to have the vaccine, so if you’ve not received two doses of the vaccine in the past – or you’re unsure – speak to your GP. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose where there is any uncertainty.

“The MMR vaccine is safe and effective vaccine and claims suggesting a link between the vaccine and autism have long-been thoroughly discredited.

“We are asking the community to remain alert to the symptoms of measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash.”

Anyone with measles-like symptoms, or who has not been vaccinated against it and has been into close contact with someone with measles, should arrange to see their GP.

Public Health England said since 2012, more than 90 per cent of children had received at least one dose of the free MMR vaccination by the age of two.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, consultant screening and immunisation lead for Public Health England and NHS England in the South West, said: “The best and safest way to protect our children from measles is by vaccinating them with two doses of the MMR vaccine, available for free on the NHS.”

For more information about measles, visit: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Measles/Pages/Symptoms.aspx