A warning has been issued by Public Health England (PHE) for Bristol after the number of cases in the city hit a high.

The health body has recorded 52 confirmed cases and 24 probable cases since the start of this year, compared to just one in the same period last year.

People have been warned the disease could be “serious and life-threatening”, with 14 people in the South West hospitalised since January.

The infection is also spreading, with people continuing their day-to-day activities despite suspecting they might have contracted measles.

One Bristol primary school has already issued a warning this month after a possible outbreak of measles. There has also been a confirmed case at a North Somerset secondary school just outside of the city.

Thara Raj, consultant in health protection at PHE South West, said the number of cases in Bristol was on the increase.

“This rise means that measles is now widespread in the Bristol community and you and your family are at risk of the infection unless you have had two doses of MMR vaccine,” she said.

“Take action now to protect yourself and your family. Check your vaccination history and if you have not had two doses, call your GP now to arrange to have a MMR vaccination.

“Measles is not just a mild childhood disease, it can be serious and life-threatening and we have seen 14 people hospitalised in the South West as a result of measles.”

The rise in Bristol

Month of onset 2017 2018 Jan 0 0 Feb 0 1 Mar 0 9 Apr 0 7 May 1 24

Those who suspect they have measles should stay at home to stop the risk of infecting others.

Ms Raj added: “We have seen recent consequences of people with suspected measles who have continued their day to day activities resulting in many vulnerable people being exposed and some even requiring urgent medical interventions.

“It is so important to remain at home if you have suspected measles to prevent other people from getting ill. If you suspect measles, phone your GP surgery for advice and so arrangements can be made to protect other people if you need to attend the surgery.

“You should also contact your GP if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measlesand you’ve not been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) or haven’t had the infection before –this is particularly important for those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant or infants.”

Several schools have already sent out warnings about measles after cases sprung up around the city.

Dr Lee Salkeld, a Bristol GP said: “Across the city, GPs are working hard to get the message to local patients about the rise in cases in Bristol and the importance of MMR vaccination.

“Your GP practice will be glad to offer you a catch up vaccination and we are keen to help protect you and your family.

“Even if you are attending the GP surgery for something else, please ask about MMR vaccination.”

What to look out for

(Image: Bristol Post)

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.