Experts have issued a warning to parents after fears of a surge in measles cases as children across Norfolk gear up for the new school year.

With the six-week holidays coming to a close, pupils are ready to go back to the classroom with sick days and stomach bugs commonplace in the first few weeks.

The new term has prompted fears from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) over a potential surge in measles cases.

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Parents are being urged to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against “easily preventable” diseases such as measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.

It comes amid concerns that uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is still too low in some areas of England.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “As a mum and doctor it is especially tragic to see kids suffering when these diseases are so easily preventable.

Measles Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire) “Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles but unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications.

“No parent wants this for their child.

“Measles is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the country.

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“It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.”

UKHSA data shows there have been 2,278 lab-confirmed measles cases in England from the start of 2024 up to August 5.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “The NHS is clear that measles can be really dangerous and so it is critical that children get vaccinated.

“So far, NHS efforts have led to thousands more young people getting protected, with over 13pc of previously unvaccinated children under the age of five getting protected, but we know there is more to do."