THE number of confirmed measles cases in the region has now reached a total of 115, with another 108 suspected cases.

The latest figures for the on-going measles outbreak in the North East have been published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The numbers of cases started increasing at the beginning of September 2012.

There has been an increase of 11 confirmed and 15 suspected cases since last week.

Initially, cases were being reported in the County Durham and Darlington areas but from early January, the majority of cases have been reported on Teesside.

Measles can affect people at any age but 39 per cent of the cases in this outbreak are aged between 10 and 19 years, the majority of which are unvaccinated school children and young adults. However, the authorities are now starting to see an increase in cases in children aged under one, who are too young to be offered routine MMR vaccination. Julia Waller, HPA spokeswoman, said: "Measles is highly infectious and unvaccinated children and adults who haven't had it before are at risk when it is circulating, as it is now in this region.

"There is no treatment for measles but it can be prevented by the MMR vaccine and two doses are required to ensure the best protection.

"If anyone is unsure about their immunisation status they should check with their GP. If you've missed out on MMR in the past it's always possible to catch-up as the vaccine can be given at any age."

To prevent spreading the illness, the HPA is advising people with measles to stay away from school or work until at least four full days have elapsed after a rash appears.

You should also avoid contact with pregnant women, people with weak immune systems and babies.

More NHS & Health News