HOLIDAYMAKERS across the South West are being urged to make sure they are up-to-date with the MMR vaccination before travelling to Europe this summer.

With outbreaks of measles continuing across Europe, Public Health England is calling on people to check they have the latest vaccination.

It says people who haven't had two MMR immunisations in the past could be at risk.

Measles is still endemic in many countries around the world and according to the European Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), France, France, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Germany among the countries reporting the highest cases

Public Health England said data published at the end of May showed that measles remains a threat to the UK population with 231 cases confirmed in England in the first quarter of 2019.

The number of cases confirmed in England has been rising since 2018, with many linked to importations from Europe.

The health watchdog said young people and adults aged 15 and over who missed out on the MMR vaccine when they were young, and some under-vaccinated communities have been particularly affected.

Dr Julie Yates, screening and immunisation lead for Public Health England South West, said: “Measles can kill and is incredibly easy to catch, especially if you’re not vaccinated and are travelling to affected countries. If you’re in any doubt about your – or your child’s - vaccination status, ask your GP or check your child’s red book.”