New alert as 13 cases of measles reported in the county

MAJORITY OF OUTBREAKS HAVE BEEN IN CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TEN - AND ONE CHILD WITH MEASLES AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES DIED

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THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now urging parents to prioritise vaccine catch-up appointments during the summer holidays. It comes as the latest data shows high levels of cases - prompting fears of more outbreaks once children return to the classroom when the new school term begins.

There have been 674 lab-confirmed cases of measles in England since January 1.That includes an additional 145 cases since the last measles update at the start of July. In Staffordshire, there have been 13 cases.

The news comes after it was revealed last month that a child, who was ill with measles and other health problems, had died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

So far in England, the majority of cases have been seen in children under the age of 10, with London and parts of the North West driving the recent surge. Almost half of all confirmed cases have been in London (48%)