HAMPSHIRE health bosses have revealed that cases of rubella have soared over the last 12 months and are urging parents to take action.

Between January and July this year, there have been 14 confirmed cases of the disease across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, compared to no cases reported over the same period last year.

There have also been 36 confirmed cases of mumps, forcing health bosses to urge parents to get their child vaccinated with the MMR jab before more children are struck down with the infections.

Dr Andrew Mortimore, director of public health for Southampton , said: “All these infections are preventable but can be dangerous and cause complications such as pneumonia and brain damage.

“Mumps can result in meningitis and encephalitis. Rubella in pregnancy can lead to congenital rubella syndrome and rubella associated miscarriages.”