A measles outbreak has been confirmed in Kent.

Five cases of the highly infectious disease, which has seen a rise in the UK as take-up of the MMR jab has fallen, have been found in Canterbury.

The flare-up has led Public Health England (PHE) to urge people to check they have two doses of the vaccine, normally given when a child is around 13 months old and again at three years and four months.

Dr Rachel Pudney, PHE's South East health protection consultant, said: "Measles is not a harmless childhood illness as many think - it is extremely infectious, can strike anyone and sadly in some instances can have very serious long term and life changing consequences.

"The best form of protection against measles is the MMR vaccination which is why PHE is urging people to check their MMR status with their GP surgery.

"It is really important that anyone who hasn't already had two doses of the MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated.

"Thanks to vaccinations like the MMR, measles is not as common in the UK as it once was, but in recent years we have seen more cases emerging, especially among groups and communities where MMR vaccination rates are not as high."

Signs of measles include a high fever of 39°C or more, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing, aching, and a blotchy red brown rash which usually appears two to four days after initial symptoms.

The viral illness can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in people with immune problems, pregnant women, and babies younger than a year old.

Health experts have previously warned that more than 1,300 children in Kent are not fully immunised against MMR thanks to the spread of "fake news" about vaccinations via social media.

Health secretary Matt Hancock has called anti-vaxx campaigners "morally reprehensible" and "deeply irresponsible" after a study by the children's charity UNICEF found that measles deaths were also up globally by 22% in 2017.

Adults and older children can be vaccinated against measles at any age, if they have not been fully vaccinated before.

PHE has advised anyone who thinks they could have measles to stay away from work, school, hospitals and anywhere where contact with lots of people is possible until at least four days after the onset of the rash.

Dr Pudney added: "If you're unsure whether you or your children have had two MMRs, first check your child's Red Book or contact your GP surgery. You do not need additional MMR vaccines if you and your children have all had two MMR vaccines.

"Everyone should be vigilant for the symptoms of measles and if you're concerned that you or your child may have measles, please do not go straight to A&E or your GP surgery.

"Instead telephone your GP or ring NHS 111 for advice. This may help to prevent spreading it to other people who may be vulnerable."

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