Measles cases jump by a third

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Data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed there were 1,348 cases in 2008 in England and Wales - a 36% rise on the 990 in 2007.

The rise has been blamed on a slump in the uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab after fears about its safety.

Earlier this month, researchers said hopes of banishing measles from Europe by 2010 may have been dashed by poor vaccination rates in a handful of countries including Britain.

The latest data on the uptake of the MMR jab in England and Wales shows that 84.5% received the first dose by their second birthday. The number of pre-school children receiving both doses of MMR by their fifth birthday is 77.9%.

The World Health Organisation said 95% of children need to be vaccinated to ensure herd immunity.

Dr Mary Ramsay, an HPA immunisation expert said: "The year-on-year increase of measles across England and Wales is very worrying. Measles should not be taken lightly as you can never tell who will go on to develop the more serious complications of pneumonia and encephalitis.

"This is why it's incredibly important to remember that measles isn't a 'harmless' childhood disease and that it is never too late to get your child immunised with the MMR vaccine."

The data for England and Wales showed there were 112 cases in babies under one and 265 in those aged between one and three-and-a-half. There were 432 cases in children aged from three years seven months to 11 and 286 in youngsters aged 12 to 18.

Among those aged 18 and over, there were 252 cases and one case where the age of the person was unknown.