Bromley has highest rate of measles in outer London

There are now urgent calls for parents to get their children vaccinated following figures released by Public Health England (PHE) on Thursday.

This year there have been 10 cases in the borough. Eight outbreaks happened in February.

After Hackney which had 28 people with measles in the last quarter, Bromley has the second highest number in the whole of London.

It was announced by PHE there would be a national catch-up programme to prevent further spread of the disease.

Research reveals there were 587 cases in England in the first three months of this year with 68 in London.

Medical experts believe the rise in measles cases is mostly due to the proportion of unprotected youngsters who missed out on vaccination in the late 1990s and early 2000s when there was concern over a now  discredited link between autism and the MMR injection.

After many years of low vaccination uptake, measles became more prevalent in 2007.

Regional director for London at PHE Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Measles is a potentially fatal but entirely preventable disease so it is disappointing that cases have recently increased in London.

"Those who have not been vaccinated should seek at least one dose of MMR vaccination which will give them 95 per cent protection against measles.

“A second dose is then needed to provide almost complete protection.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said today: "Measles infections in London are rising in line with numbers around England, but having been briefed by senior health officials from Public Health England, and my own health team, I am assured that there is no need for Londoners to be overly concerned.

"However, we need to ensure that everybody has been vaccinated."

For more information, visit: facebook.com/getvaccinatedEngland 

Are you a Bromley parent whose child is suffering from Measles?

Or have you experienced problems with getting vaccinations? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 721.