SIX people caught measles across the Anglia and Essex area in May, new figures reveal.
Data published yesterday showed the number of cases from January to May was more than the total number in 2012.
Last year, there were 37 cases, but there were 42 in the first five months of this year alone.
Public Health England Anglia and Essex estimates about 120,000 10-16 year olds need to have their first MMR dose to reach the target of 95 per cent uptake of the first jab.
They constitute the “priority” group who do not have any protection against measles, mumps or rubella.
Dr Gina Radford, centre director of Public Health England Anglia and Essex, said: “Measles is a highly infectious and unpleasant disease that can lead to very serious complications.
“Children who have not had the MMR vaccine are at high risk of catching the disease. If your child has not had the MMR vaccine, the upcoming summer holidays are a good time to contact your GP.”
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