HEALTH experts are warning that measles outbreaks similar to the recent one in South Wales could be on their way to the Midlands.

Doctors across the county border in Herefordshire are bracing themselves for a potential outbreak after an increase in cases over the last two months, while Public Health England says cases of the highly infectious disease are at their highest level for 18 years.

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, fever and sensitive eyes and after a few days a red-brown, spotty rash develops.

At best the illness can leave people feeling unwell for several days, but in some people it can lead to serious complications and, on rare occasions, can even be fatal.

With 2,016 confirmed cases across the UK in 2012 - the highest number since 1994 - and numbers continuing to be high due to outbreaks in England and Wales, Public Health England is urging people to ensure they are protected by the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

Dr Mary Ramsey, head of immunisation, said: “The only way to prevent measles outbreaks is to make sure there is good uptake of the MMR vaccine across all ages, and that when cases are reported, immediate public health action is taken to target unvaccinated individuals as soon as possible.

“Measles is often associated with being a disease of the past and as a result people may be unaware that it is dangerous and can lead to death in severe cases. Parents should ensure their children are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella with two doses of the MMR vaccine.”

She said anyone who is unsure whether they are protected should check medical records with their GP.

Elizabeth Shassere, Herefordshire’s director of public health, said: “Measles is a highly infectious and potentially dangerous illness which spreads very easily particularly in schools.

“The good news is that it is highly preventable when children are immunised with the MMR vaccine, but parents need to make sure their children receive two doses of the vaccine in order to be fully protected against measles. We are seeing an increase in the number of cases as a direct result of parents not getting their children immunised.”