In 2007, 970 confirmed cases of measles were reported in England and Wales, compared with 740 in 2006. It is the highest number recorded since 1995, when the current method of monitoring began.

The Health Protection Report shows that London had the highest proportion of confirmed cases at 424.

Dr Mary Ramsay, consultant epidemiologist at the HPA's Centre for Infections, said: 'The only way to reduce the impact of such outbreaks is to ensure the uptake of the MMR vaccine increases and that older children who have missed out come forward for vaccination.'

The HPA also found that confirmed cases of mumps and rubella fell in 2007.

HPA Report