Measles epidemic warning

8:42am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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The NHS has warned a measles epidemic could sweep across London, hitting more than 10,000 people.

London Assembly heard outbreaks were down to low rates of inoculation in London, with just 70 per cent of children receiving the jab compared to 84 per cent nationally.

While the worst effected boroughs were Lewisham and Newham, regional director of Public Health London Dr Simon Tanner warned other areas would not escape.

James Cleverly, chair of the Health and Public Services Committee, said the city faced the "frightening" prospect of an epidemic.

"Measles is a very serious disease, with one in four infected people ending up in hospital. Yet, it is an entirely preventable disease, so everything possible must be done to increase immunisation across London."