Parents have been urged to make sure their children are protected against measles as an outbreak continues to spread across Britain.
The number of people succumbing to the disease has doubled this year, according to new Health Protection Agency figures.
Last year rates of the disease more than doubled and the latest figures suggest Britain may be in line for the worst outbreak since the introduction of the triple MMR vaccine in the mid 1990s.
In 2011 there were 1,086 cases of measles while so far this year some 964 cases have been reported. This compares with 497 in the same period last year, according to the Health Protection Agency.
The worst outbreaks have been in Merseyside and Sussex and among travelling communities.
Rates of vaccination have improved since 2002 when the false autism link scare deterred many families. But some 13 per cent of children have not had their second booster shots, according to the HPA.
And experts warn that the legacy of the 2002 scare may be continuing – as thousands of older children lack protection.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the HPA, said the latest figures were "extremely concerning."
She said: "Although uptake of the MMR has improved in recent years some children do not get vaccinated on time and some older children, who missed out when uptake was lower, have not had a chance to catch-up. Therefore, there are still enough people who are not protected to allow some large outbreaks to occur among unvaccinated individuals.
"It’s vital that children receive both doses of the MMR vaccination and ahead of returning to school after the holidays, we are urging parents to ensure their children have received the two doses, which will provide the best protection against the risks associated with measles, mumps and rubella."
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