A major NHS hospital in Bromley has reported a rise in people having contagious and potentially life threatening measles.

There are six confirmed cases of patients having the measles virus at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.

King's College Hospital in Camberwell, also part of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has two confirmed cases.

Symptoms of the highly contagious virus include a runny nose, cough, red eyes, inflamed tonsils, small white spots inside the cheeks and increasing temperatures.

Measles reported in Bromley - here is what you need to know

Roxanne Mohammad-Klein, deputy director of infection control at King’s, said: “We have recently seen an increase in measles at the hospital. Although most cases can be successfully treated some patients experience life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling.

“The tell-tale sign of measles is a rash that starts behind the ears and spreads over the face and body. The rash consists of flat red or brown blotches which can flow into each other and it feels bumpy when you run your fingers over it.

“When a patient comes to us with suspected measles we follow established protocols which include isolating the patient and testing them at the earliest opportunity.

“If you suspect that you or a member of your family has measles you should phone (not visit) your GP without delay. Because the virus is highly contagious, please avoid going to hospital where there are other patients – such as those with low immune systems and pregnant women – who could suffer complications if they came into contact with an infected person.”

Measles is most common with children aged between one and four, but people of any age can catch it.

It is believed both King's College Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital have more suspected cases of measles.