Parents have been warned to check their children have their immunisations as the number of measles cases soar to levels unseen in recent years.

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed there have been 86 confirmed cases in Bristol this year alone, and another 20 more being investigated.

In the same period last year, there were only two confirmed cases. Since May this year, there has been a huge rise as PHE described it as a “widespread outbreak”.

The authority is now warning parents children should have their two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against Mumps, Measles and Rubella.

If untreated, measles can be “serious and life-threatening”, with 14 people in the South West hospitalised since January.

Several schools in Bristol and North Somerset had to shut their doors last month after confirmed cases in their classrooms.

The number of confirmed cases in Bristol this year:

January - 0

February - 1

March - 9

April - 7

May - 27

June - 26

July - 15

August - 1 (so far)

There were only two confirmed cases last year, with both happening in the month of June.

Children usually receive the vaccine within a month of their first birthday and ahead of starting school at 3 years 4 months.

Dominic Mellon, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health England South West, said: “Unfortunately, we know that the school environment provides a perfect place for infections to circulate and spread.

“This is why we are asking parents to add the MMR vaccine to their back to school lists. If your child catches measles, apart from feeling very unwell they will also miss out on several days at school.

“We know life can get busy with children. If you can’t remember, just contact your GP who will be able to check your child’s records. If they have missed a dose, a catch up vaccine can easily be arranged by contacting your GP.

“As I said, measles is a really unpleasant viral illness, starting with cold like symptoms such as runny nose, high temperature and sore eyes.

“A few days later the distinctive red-brown blotchy rash will appear. Usually starting on the head or neck and then spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

“Once the distinctive rash appears, they should stay away from school for at least four days. This is to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.”

Have you got measles? Check if you are protected – have you had two doses of MMR vaccine? Know the signs and symptoms of measles. Do you/ your child have cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash? If so, stay at home and do not go to work or school. If you suspect measles, call your GP immediately to be assessed and stay at home for five days until rash has disappeared. Call ahead before attending your GP or A&E so they can make arrangements to prevent you from spreading the infection.

Cllr Asher Craig, cabinet member for Communities and Equalities at Bristol City Council added: "I'd strongly encourage parents and carers to check whether their children have been immunised before the start of term.

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“Measles is highly contagious and can be very nasty, so if you or your children need it then don't put off vaccination.

"It is quick and easy to get and really is the best protection for everyone."