There has been a sharp rise in the number of measles cases and families that plan to head for Easter holidays are being urged to get their children a measles jab.

Overseas travel has been blamed by experts for the rising cases and this year outbreaks have been experienced by Denmark, France, Germany and Turkey. In January there were about 1000 cases in France.

The Health Protection Agency said yesterday, “­Children should be ­immunized with two doses of MMR before travelling. Measles is very contagious and causes a fever, coughing and spots on the skin.”

Following this families have been particularly told that a vaccination is must if they intend to go for holidays.

An MMR jab has been stated to be very important according to Health Protection Scotland for people who are going to France.

There has been information on the Travax website that states, children of parents who are planning to travel to France should get a MMR jab at any cost as there has been a rise in the virus causing measles.

If thought to be at a risk, people who have not been immunized should get a vaccination to be safe.