38 cases of measles reported in West Midlands

Nationally, there were 962 cases across England to the end of April, according to Public Health England (PHE).

The regions most affected continue to be the North West and North East, but cases have been reported across all regions in England.

In line with trends across the country, the number of cases of measles has continued to rise in the West Midlands. Up to the end of April, 38 cases were confirmed, following a total of 127 cases in 2012.

So far this year there have been two cases in Staffordshire, one each in Wolverhampton and Walsall, and none in Dudley and Sandwell.

Today, measles, mumps and rubella coverage among five-year-olds in England is at its highest recorded levels, with 94 per cent receiving one dose and 90pc receiving two doses. Dr Sue Ibbotson, PHE West Midlands centre director, said: "Our ambition is to vaccinate 95 per cent of 10 to16 year olds at risk in time for the next school year and the number of extra doses ordered by so many GP practices is very encouraging.

"Local public health teams have been working hard to encourage uptake with children and teenagers in the West Midlands. The message to parents who think their child may not be fully immunised is to check today and book an appointment with your GP.

"The vaccine is there waiting to be used and could save your child's life. Measles is a serious illness and can lead to acute complications, including hospitalisation in more than one in five cases among teens this year.

"We are getting regular feedback from NHS teams and are encouraged by the very high levels of involvement by GP practices across the West Midlands."