Parents are being advised to make sure their children are protected against measles after a small number of cases have been confirmed in the Bradford district.

Anita Sims, joint director of public health for Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust and Bradford Council, said: "Measles is a highly infectious and serious illness, but one that can fortunately now be prevented by people having two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) combined vaccine."

The disease is transmitted by face-to-face contact or spending time in the same room with someone with the illness.

Early warning signs include fever, tiredness, red sore eyes, runny noses and spots inside the mouth.

A blotchy red rash appears on the body between the third and seventh day, spreads over four days and can last for a week.

Dr Sims said: "Although Bradford's uptake of MMR is better than the national average, I would urge all parents to check that their children have had their two doses of the vaccine."

Anyone whose children are not protected or who is unsure should contact their local doctor's surgery.

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