Parents are being urged to immunise their children following an outbreak of measles.

There have been ten confirmed cases of the disease in West Sussex in the past two weeks, the first in the county since 1994.

They have been in Crawley, Lancing and Findon Valley, near Worthing.

Four people are in hospital and two children from outside Sussex have also been treated at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester after falling ill when visiting the area.

All are making good progress.

Health bosses at Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust (PCT) are urging people to contact their GP if their child has not been vaccinated against the disease.

The take-up rate for the controversial MMR vaccination in the area stands at a relatively high 88 per cent but the figure needs to rise to 95 per cent to be certain of containing the spread.

Some parents have chosen not to give their child the vaccine because of fears of a possible link with autism.

Health officials think about 30,000 people across West Sussex could be at risk of infection.

Local GP Alison Smith said: "Measles can be extremely serious and all health professionals within our area advocate the MMR triple vaccine.

"Health visitors have an extensive information pack they give parents and are always happy to discuss any concerns parents may have. If anyone has a child who has not been immunised or if they themselves are at risk they should contact their health visitor or GP surgery where they will immunised as quickly as possible."

Those most at risk are children who have not received the vaccine and children over two who have only had a single dose.

Most adults are immune but those born between 1970 and 1980 are more likely to have missed measles vaccines and possibly not had measles either. They are slightly more at risk.

Pregnant women in this category should also get medical advice if they think they have been exposed to the illness.

Measles starts with a fever, runny eyes and nose and a cough. A red, spotty rash starts after three or four days of illness.

Children tend to become very miserable and lose their appetite.

Anyone with concerns is urged to contact their GP immediately but is advised to phone rather than take a child into a busy waiting room.