A measles outbreak in Brighton and Hove shows no signs of slowing, according to health bosses.

There have now been 51 confirmed cases of the virus in the city since the start of the year.

The results of several suspected cases are still outstanding and could push the number even higher.

Public health managers in the city say the virus is now out in the community and affecting adults as well as children.

The adults are generally parents of infected children.

One of the most recent cases involved an adult who had to be treated in hospital after falling seriously ill.

The virus tends to be more severe in adults and children under two More than 13 schools and numerous nurseries around the city have been affected by the outbreak and letters have been sent home to parents urging them to get their child vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The situation is being blamed on the poor take up of MMR.

It stands at around 80% , well short of the 95% recommended by the World Health Organisations as needed to protect a community.

About 13,000 people under 18 have not had either the first MMR dose or the second follow up.

Children need to be vaccinated at just under two and again just before they start school.

Part of the concern is that cases are now being passed between individuals within the community and not contained just among family members.

The city's director of public health, Tom Scanlon, said: “Measles is highly contagious and is continuing to spread through our city.

“If your child does catch measles evidence from London says there is a one in ten chance they will need hospital treatment.

“This can be anything from chest infections and fits to encephilitis and brain damage.

“Don't take the chance - if your child is over one and has not had the MMR jab please contact your GP surgery and get them protected.”

The number of cases in the city is now more than eight times as many as the six reported for the whole of 2008.

People should contact their GP for more information or they can go to www.immunisation.co.uk.

Have you been struck down with measles? Let us know at news@theargus.co.uk