(CNN) Parents in Germany who fail to vaccinate their children could face hefty fines after the German government backed a bill requiring all children to receive a measles jab before entering school or kindergarten.

If the German parliament approves the bill, parents will be required to provide evidence that their child has been vaccinated before they are enrolled, and will face fines of up to €2,500 ($2,800) if they fail to do so.

"Whether in kindergarten, at the childminder or at school -- we want to protect all children against measles infection," Health Minister Jens Spahn said in a statement.

The move comes as Germany reported one of the highest numbers of measles cases in Europe between March 2018 and February this year, at 651, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In 2019, 429 cases were registered in Germany by mid-June, the Health Ministry said, suggesting the problem is escalating.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread if someone comes into direct contact or shares germs by touching the same objects or surfaces. Measles symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots.

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