Measles is potentially a very serious illness that can cause complications and can on rare occasions be fatal. It is highly infectious and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

People at risk are those that have not had two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, or haven’t had the infection before - particularly babies, those with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant.

“Parents must ensure their children are fully vaccinated. Measles isn’t a harmless childhood disease and you can never tell who will go on to develop more serious complications of pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain),” said Wandsworth’s director of public health Houda Al-Sharifi.

“Please check that you and your children are fully immunised and had both doses of the MMR vaccine. Ask your GP if you are not sure if you are immunised, and check your child’s red book to see if they need a jab

"It’s never too late to get the vaccine as it can be given at any age for free if you have missed out. Just contact your local GP.”