There has been two cases of measles in Medway in the last two months, according to new data.

The figures, which cover Kent, Sussex and Surre, have been published by Public Health England, as part of a national MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine catch-up programme.

There have been 14 cases of measles across the region since the start of the year and a total of 962 cases in England. This continues the trend seen since early 2012, with monthly totals around the highest recorded levels seen since 1994.

There was one case in Medway in April, and one in March - compared to none at all in 2012.

The MMR catch-up programme, run by Public Health England, NHS England, the Department of Health, and local authorities, aims to prevent measles outbreaks by giving MMR to as many unvaccinated and partially vaccinated 10-16 year olds as possible in time for the next school year.

This age group are most at risk of measles due to the fall in coverage of MMR that occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s when concern around the discredited link between autism and the vaccine was widespread.

Dr Graham Bickler, from Public Health England, said: “Our ambition is to get MMR vaccine coverage in the 10-16 year-old group up to 95 per cent in time for the next school year.

“The message to parents who think their child may not be fully immunised is to check today and book an appointment with your GP. The vaccine is there ready to be used and could save your child’s life.

“Measles is a serious illness and can lead to serious complications, including hospitalisation.”

Medway GP practices have been contacting the families of patients aged 10 to 16 who have missed out on the MMR jab.