A PATIENT was seriously ill in hospital after a measles outbreak on Merseyside.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) last night warned people to ensure their children were immunised after several people were struck down with the viral disease in Wirral.

There have been two confirmed cases, both children, and an undisclosed number of suspected cases in both children and adults.

One of these patients is in hospital.

None of those affected was fully immunised.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Director of the HPA’s Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Unit, said: “These cases in Wirral show just how important it is for parents to ensure that their children are given two doses of MMR vaccine.

“We are also reminding teenagers and young adults who haven’t previously been vaccinated that it is not too late for them.

“They should seek advice from their family doctors.

“MMR is a safe and effective vaccine. Two doses give full immunity against measles, mumps and rubella, diseases that can have serious side effects. On very rare occasions people die from measles.”

The HPA also warned about a outbreak of measles across Europe – particularly in France.