AN outbreak of measles on Merseyside is continuing to intensify – with those going on holiday or attending festivals this summer now urged to make sure they're fully vaccinated.

It comes after the news last week that reported cases in Wirral had risen to eight confirmed and nine possible cases, and now there are fears un-immunised children and young adults are at risk.

Wirral Community NHS Trust issued a warning on its page this week saying cases of measles in the borough "continue to rise".

It said there is a particular risk for those travelling to parts of Europe where "there are large ongoing measles outbreaks, or to other countries where measles vaccination coverage is low and measles is endemic".

The statement read: "As the summer months bring increased travel and public gatherings, Public Health England is warning that the figure could rise even further and are working with Wirral council and the NHS to make sure anyone who needs an MMR vaccine is aware."

Teenagers and young adults should be vaccinated before travelling and attending festivals and other summer events, it said.

Parents are urged to check their child's Red Book to see if they have received two MMR vaccinations as scheduled, or check with the GP surgery if unsure.

The advice continued: "Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.

"It is possible for anyone at any age to get measles and the illness can be more severe in teenagers and adults than in young children."

Wirral cabinet member for adult care and health, Cllr Chris Jones, said: "Getting yourself and your children vaccinated with the MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles.

"It also protects against mumps and rubella, two other highly infectious conditions."