THE measles outbreak in the region is continuing to spread, according to the latest figures.

The total number of confirmed cases in the North-East has gone up to 210 in the last week, an increase of 10.

The number of suspected cases has also increased to 196, an increase of 20.

With the majority of cases reported in unvaccinated schoolchildren and young adults, health experts are urging parents to make sure their children have had the two doses of the MMR measles vaccine needed to protect against infection.

Anyone, of any age, who is unsure whether they have had measles or been immunised against the disease is urged to check with their GP.

But experts say that anyone born before 1970 is very likely to have had some form of immunisation against measles.

To help raise awareness of the continuing oubreak the North-East NHS and Public Health England has produced a poster which has been sent to GP practices, clinics, hospitals, schools, leisure centres and youth centres.

Schools on Teesside - where the outbreak is concentrated - have sent letters to parents alerting them to the increase in measles cases and asking them to check whether their children have had the two measles jabs they need to stay protected.

The viral illness begins with a fever cough, runny nose and red eyes and is followed by a spreading rash.