Families across Shropshire are being urged to take up the MMR vaccine as measles cases rise in the West Midlands.

Measles is a very infectious viral disease which means it can spread quickly among communities, such as schools and nurseries if people have not had two dose the MMR vaccine.

Rachel Robinson, director of public health at Shropshire Council said: “With an increase in cases of measles being seen across the West Midlands, we want to raise awareness and urge those who have not yet had their MMR vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

Ms Robinson said most people recover completely within a couple of weeks, but for some measles can be very serious, causing permanent disability and, in rare cases, death.

Having two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent it, and anyone with symptoms should stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 instead of visiting the surgery or hospital.

There is information on measles on the NHS website. This includes how to get vaccinations, advice to parents and carers to check if their child has measles, including photos of the measles rash.