The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged parents to protect their children against measles before the start of the new school year.


The HPA said London had seen a high number of cases and a laboratory confirmed one in Richmond earlier this year.


Dr Brian McCloskey, director of the HPA for London, said: “The cases of measles we have been seeing in London this year, as in previous years, are mainly linked to small clusters in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children and young adults. 


“It is therefore vital that parents act now ahead of the start of the new school term to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated.


“Measles is a nasty illness which spreads easily in nurseries, schools and colleges and in rare cases can be fatal.


“If you are unsure if your child or teenager has had two doses of MMR, speak to your GP who will have a record of which vaccinations they have received.”