Mumps cases in England have increased almost three-fold in the first three months of this year.

Public Health England figures show that there were 795 cases in the first three months of this year, compared to 275 during the same period last year.

Meanwhile the number of measles cases was slightly down over the same period - 231 in the first three months of this year against 275 last year.

But measles cases more than doubled compared to the 97 reported between October and December.

There have been 3,789 cases of measles across the continent during the first three months of this year according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.


Image: The skin of a patient after 3 days of measles infection

The highest numbers have been in Romania, France, Poland and Lithuania.

PHE's head of immunisation Dr Mary Ramsay warned that with measles outbreaks across parts of Europe families should make sure they are vaccinated before they travel.

She added: "Measles can kill and it is incredibly easy to catch, especially if you are not vaccinated.

"Even one child missing their vaccine is one too many - if you are in any doubt about your child's vaccination status, ask your GP as it's never too late to get protected.

"There are measles outbreaks happening across Europe so if you are planning to travel, make sure you check with your GP and catch-up if needed."

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The MMR vaccine is given on the NHS to babies, usually within a month of their first birthday. A second injection of the vaccine is given before starting school, usually at three years and four months.

The vaccine is also available to all adults and children who are not up to date with their two doses.

Some 94.9% of eligible children aged five received their first dose of MMR in the final quarter of 2018, with coverage of the second doses at 87.4% for children aged five.

One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 90-95% effective at preventing measles, rising to around 99% after the second.