Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has warned people to 'be alert' following a rise in measles cases across Greater Manchester.

The trust, which manages healthcare in the region, advised residents to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date, and to be aware of the symptoms of measles.

The area has seen a rise in confirmed measles cases, particularly among young children and babies.

The virus is very infectious - just one cough or sneeze is enough to spread the disease to someone else.

It is also dangerous - one in five will go to hospital with measles, and it can even prove fatal in rare cases.

Signs and symptoms of measles

According to the NHS, measles "starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later". Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

The health service adds: "The first symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, sore, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days. A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.

"More information about the symptoms can be found on the NHS website."

How to combat measles

Stockport NHS says that the best defence against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

There is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccination and autism.

If you think you or child already have measles, the NHS advises: "Stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

"Stay away from GP surgeries, A&E departments and other healthcare venues. People with measles should stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears."

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