Worst outbreak of measles in city since 1988
More than 200 confirmed cases of measles on Merseyside have contributed to the worst outbreak of the disease since 1988, according to the Health Protection Agency.
The independent body said there have been 214 laboratory-confirmed cases since January, while 92 probable cases are being investigated.
It is the worst outbreak in the metropolitan area since the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine was introduced in 1988 and at least 39 of the confirmed cases have needed treatment in hospital. Half the cases registered on Merseyside so far this year are children under five, with another 30 per cent aged 15 or over. The majority of the cases have been in Liverpool and neighbouring areas such as Knowsley and Sefton.
Measles spreads quickly among children and adults who are not vaccinated, and can lead to serious complications and, on rare occasions, death.