SEVEN more confirmed and 20 more suspected cases of measles have been reported in the region.

Since the beginning of September 2012, when the numbers started increasing, 122 confirmed cases and 128 suspected cases of the illness have now been reported. This is an increase of seven confirmed and 20 suspected cases on the previous week.

The majority of cases continue to be reported in County Durham, Darlington and the Tees area. People aged between 10 and 19 years continue to be most affected, making up 38% of all cases.

Julia Waller, spokeswoman for the HPA in the North-East 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.”