New cases of measles confirmed

Sixteen new cases of measles were today confirmed in south London.

It brings to 36 the number of cases of measles in the area, which has a low take-up of the contentious MMR jab.

A Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham health authority spokeswoman said the authority was awaiting tests on a further 15 cases.

In the north east of England, five cases have been confirmed in Co Durham and there are seven other suspected cases.

Parents have snubbed the vaccine over fears it is linked to autism and bowel disease, in spite of repeated assurances from the Government of its safety.

Of the 36 London cases, 24 are in the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham area and 12 from the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth health authority area.

None of the children had two full doses of the jab, Dr Carmel Cullinan said.

The Prime Minister has tried to ease parental fears that the triple jab can cause autism and bowel disease.

But the latest figures show UK-wide take-up of the jab plummeted to a record low between July and September 2001 with a coverage rate of just 84.2% compared to the Government's target of 95%.

Coverage in the Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham area is among the lowest in the country. In one quarter last year levels were just 72.3%.

A spokeswoman for the authority added: "If parents suspect their child has measles they are advised to see their GP."

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