ïMERSEYSIDE health chiefs are renewing their plea to get all children immunised with the MMR vaccine, after measles cases rocketed in early 2009.

The Health Protection Agency North West says 20 children in Merseyside and Cheshire have contracted the potentially fatal disease since January, compared with just one case during the same period last year.

During 2008, cases of the virus began to increase nationally and in the region.

It was thought measles had been almost eradicated in Britain.

Children should have two doses of the jab, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Mumps cases are also on the rise, particularly in Liverpool, because of the high student population who live in close proximity to each other.

In 2008, there were 124 cases, compared with 102 in 2007 in Cheshire and Merseyside.

So far this year there have been 69 cases, compared with 52 during the same period last year.

The agency has stressed that it is important to make sure those of university age are also immunised.

Local universities are carrying out leaflet drops to highlight the issue.