PARENTS are being urged to vaccinate their children after an outbreak of measles.
Nine children were diagnosed with the illness after being patients at Lewisham Hospital.
The first was diagnosed on January 19 and recoirded incident was on February 19.
South East London Health Protection Unit director Dr Rachel Heathcock said: "We are currently seeing cases of measles in the Lewisham area and across south-east London.
"One of these cases needed admission to hospital and this has probably led to some children contracting the infection during their hospital stay."
Children can be protected against the illness by having the MMR vaccine.
Dr Heathcock added: "The complications which can occur as a result of having measles can be severe, long lasting and can result in death."
Those concerned about the signs of measles should call their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
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