Urgent travel advice for patients.

Honiton Surgery has issued urgent travel advice to patients, warning that there is a measles epidemic in France and cases have now been confirmed at a school in Devon.

Family doctors in the town say cases of measles have increased across Europe and an outbreak has been confirmed in Ashburton.

A statement issued by the surgery said: “Measles is a serious disease that can cause complications, such as chest infections, fits and deafness.

“It is very infectious and every case can infect up to 15 people who have not been immunised.”

Doctors are urging patients to protect themselves.

They say: “MMR is a safe and effective vaccine. One dose gives 90 per cent protection against measles and the doses gives 99 per cent.

“All children and young people 30 years and under will have been offered two doses of MMR.”

You can telephone Honiton Surgery on (01404) 548544 to check if you and your family have had a full course of MMR.

If you require an MMR vaccination and are 30 or under, book an appointment in the Treatment Room or Immunisation Clinic.

If you are over 30, book an appointment in the travel clinic and there will be a charge.

Persons over the age of 45 generally have immunity from contact with the disease.