SIX pupils from Hippings Methodist Primary School in Oswaldtwistle have been tested for measles.
The children had all started to show symptoms of the disease and visited their GPs. If confirmed, it would take the number of cases in the borough to 18 since the outbreak started in Accrington last month. Three other cases were confirmed in Oswaldtwistle last week.
The Health Protection Agency issued letters to the school to send out to all parents urging them to have their children immunised with the MMR jab.
Dr John Astbury, from the agency, based in Eagle Street, Accrington, said: "We are awaiting the results on six cases. We have put a letter out to all the parents at the primary school. Our advice would be to get children immunised as a matter of urgency."
Dr Sohail Ashraf, consultant in health protection, said: "Measles is sometimes seen as a childhood illness but it is a major disease which can have serious consequences. I am concerned children are still being admitted to hospital when there is a safe, effective vaccine available."
Measles can affect the liver, eyes and chest and there is a small possibility of it causing long-term brain damage. Experts insist the MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella - vaccine is safe and have dismissed claims it could be linked to autism.
