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An outbreak of measles has been declared in London after 76 cases in the last two months.

Public health chiefs today advised teenagers and adults to check whether they were fully vaccinated, as about 50 of the cases were in people aged 15 or older.

The sudden outbreak is about seven times greater than normal and coincides with a wider spike in cases of the highly infectious virus across England.

London has the lowest take-up of the MMR vaccine across the country, with 87 per cent of children protected.

Public Health England said the number of teenagers being infected was a legacy of the 1998 MMR scare.

That was sparked when the now- discredited doctor Andrew Wakefield wrongly linked the vaccine to autism, reducing uptake to about 60 per cent in the capital.

London public health director Dr Yvonne Doyle said of the current situation: “We are seeing an increase in measles cases across the city, which could be considered an outbreak.

“The cases are being confirmed mainly in adolescents and young adults — but it’s never too late for them to have the vaccine.

“Those who have not received two doses of the vaccine in the past — or who are unsure — should speak to their GP. There’s no harm in receiving an additional dose where there is any uncertainty.

“Signs to look out for can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a red-brown blotchy rash. Those people experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention but phone ahead before visiting GP surgeries so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected.”

The call for improved vaccination rates saw Wandsworth town hall covered in “measles spots” as part of European Immunisation Week.

The UK needs to vaccinate an additional 2,000 children a month to meet the World Health Organisation’s 95 per cent target for “herd” immunity. Wandsworth has seen at least three cases since February.

The MMR vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella, is offered to infants in England from the age of 12 months, with a second dose at three years four months.

Measles can lead to serious complications and rubella can cause problems in pregnancy.

Wandsworth’s director of public health Houda Al-Sharifi said: “Projecting spots on to the town hall may appear to be a light-hearted stunt but behind it is a very serious message.

“In some cases people who contract measles go on to develop pneumonia and encephalitis [brain inflammation]. It’s never too late to get vaccination.”