The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned outbreaks of measles were continuing in England, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 in May.
It said cases had predominantly been in unvaccinated children aged ten and under, with ongoing outbreaks in a number of regions.
In the West Midlands, there have been seven confirmed cases, mostly across Birmingham, in just over a week, while London had almost half of all cases reported in the past four weeks.
The UKHSA said there was a risk of the holiday season causing a summer surge due to a global increase in measles cases, including Europe, over the last year.
Earlier this week, UKHSA regional deputy director in the West Midlands Katie Spence issued advice to those planning to attend “get-togethers” such as Eid or take a trip abroad.
“Measles can cause serious illness, and while most people will recover completely within a couple of weeks, the virus can sometimes leave permanent disability and can even be fatal,” she said.
“Measles is very infectious and can spread rapidly among communities, if people have not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
“The recent wave of cases we’ve seen in the West Midlands have all been in unvaccinated children under ten.
“That’s why it’s so important that you and your family are protected by the MMR vaccine – especially before meeting up with family and friends for get-togethers such as Eid this weekend, or going away on holiday, as outbreaks are being seen in many countries.”
Birmingham City Council House. Taken by LDR Alexander Brock. Permission for use for all LDRS partners.
Ms Spence said the MMR vaccine was “very effective” and protected against measles, along with mumps and rubella.
“It is completely free on the NHS, and there is a version of the vaccine (Priorix) that is suitable for people who don’t touch pork products – just ask at your GP surgery,” she said.
“You need two doses for maximum protection, and these should be given before your child starts school full-time, but you can arrange to have any jabs you’ve missed, it’s never too late to catch up.”
With cases increasing across the city, Birmingham Council also issued its own warning for those planning to attend gatherings.
A council health bulletin on Friday, June 6, read: “With large gatherings approaching, including upcoming Eid celebrations, please remind parents and children to speak to their GP if they experience any symptoms, as measles spreads easily in group settings.
“If they do attend a large gathering, please remind them to stay vigilant for symptoms, as most people experience symptoms 10-12 days after contact with the virus.”
The council said measles usually started with cold-like symptoms.
In its health bulletin, it said the first symptoms of measles included:
“A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms,” the local authority said. “The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
“Some people may also get small spots in their mouth, particularly inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.
“If your child develops symptoms, you should urgently contact your GP.
“You must contact the surgery by telephone before visiting and tell the reception staff that you think that your child may have measles.
“Please do not attend the surgery unless you are asked to.
“The doctor will make special arrangements to see your child so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it on to others.”
The council said that GPs should also be contacted in cases where adults are vulnerable, for example, immunocompromised or pregnant.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with two MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family.
“Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.
“Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences.”