ANOTHER 17 confirmed and four suspected cases of measles have been reported in the North-East in the last week.

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

Since the beginning of September 2012, when the numbers started increasing, 181 confirmed cases and 162 suspected cases of the illness have now been reported. The majority of cases continue to be reported in the Teesside, County Durham and Darlington area.

People aged between 10 and 19 years continue to be most affected, making up 41 per cent of all cases.

Julia Waller, HPA immunisation lead in the North-East, said: "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."