First measles outbreak hits since 1994

Health officials have urged parents to get their children vaccinated and believe 30,000 people across West Sussex could be at risk of infection.

GP Alison Smith said: "Measles can be extremely serious and all health professionals within our area advocate the MMR triple vaccine.

"Health visitors have an extensive information pack they give parents and are always happy to discuss any concerns parents may have.

"If anyone has a child who has not been immunised, or if they themselves are at risk, they should contact their health visitor or GP surgery where they will be immunised as quickly as possible.

"If necessary, extra clinics can be provided."

Currently, the immunisation rate in Adur, Arun and Worthing, is 88 per cent. It needs to be 95 to stop more outbreaks.

Director of public health for the local health trust, Dr Farhan Tahzib, said: "The present situation is worrying because many children are at present unprotected against this very infectious and dangerous illness.

"MMR is one of the safest and most effective medical products available to the NHS.

"The body of scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of MMR is vast and continues to grow.

"The evidence for harm remains anecdotal and emotive and is not backed up by any significant validity."

Groups most at risk include children who have not had the vaccine and children over two who only had a single dose of the vaccine.

Most adults are immune but those born between 1970 and 1980 are more likely to have missed the measles vaccine, and possibly not had measles either.

Pregnant women in this category should visit their GP. Measles starts with runny eyes and nose and a cough.

The red spotty rash starts after three or four days, begins at the hairline and spreads down the body over the following three days. Anyone who is concerned should contact their GP.