Britain Seeing Surge in Measles Cases

Aug 31, 12:52 AM

Current Headlines: British health officials say parents need to vaccinate their children against measles for the new school year because of a surge in measles cases this summer.

The Health Protection agency said there have been 480 cases of measles so far this year. A record 756 cases were reported in 2006, Sky News said Thursday.

The agency said the outbreak is occurring among children in all social groups -- and all children need to make sure they have their two doses of MMR vaccine before returning to the classroom.

Our studies with parents show that confidence in MMR safety is returning but there are still children who have not been protected -- and who need to be, a Department of Health official said.