NHS plea to parents as measles cases rise

PARENTS across the West Midlands have again been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated amidst rising cases of measles in Birmingham.

- GURDIP THANDI Local Democracy Reporter

Nurse leaders in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country want to ensure youngsters are up to date with measles, mumps and rubella jabs to stop it spreading.

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to severe lung infections and inflammation of the brain.

It also damages and suppresses the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to catching other illnesses.

Cases have risen in recent weeks in areas of the Midlands, prompting calls for parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.

The virus can spread quickly in communities, particularly in settings such as schools and nurseries, if children have not received both doses of the MMR vaccine.