THE threat posed by measles to children and young people in Gwent remains "a huge cause of concern" says a public health chief.

Fifteen new cases have been notified since last week, bringing the total in the area this year to 76.

Dr Gill Richardson, director of public health for Aneurin Bevan Health Board, warned that, while 15 new cases may not seem many, it is extremely worrying when compared to previous years.

She identified 10-18 year-olds as most at risk, with around 10,000 in Gwent alone still unprotected from measles despite the ongoing vaccination programme.

Cases centred on the Swansea outbreak area have risen to 1,061. While Gwent's 76 cases may seem small in comparison, that is four times the number of cases recorded across Wales (19) during last year.

“(This) is a huge cause of concern. Those not vaccinated are highly likely to catch measles, which is highly contagious. It is just a matter of time before a child is left with serious and permanent complications such as eye disorders, deafness or brain damage, or dies," said Dr Richardson.

“Parents of young children appear to understand this well. The number who have contacted their GP or turned up at one of the many drop-in clinics held in the last month has been very encouraging.

“But there is still much to do and those in the 10-18 years age group are a particular concern.

"Young people of this age are most likely to have missed the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jabs when they were young. They are most vulnerable to measles and we need to see a better response to the catch-up campaign being offered to all teenagers in Gwent in schools."

Since last November, 6,488 people in Gwent have come forward for unscheduled vaccination. Of these, only 1,335 were aged 10-18.

“Vaccination sessions are continuing in schools across Gwent and I urge pupils and their parents to take advantage of these. We are already seeing cases in secondary schools," said Dr Richardson.

“We have seen that measles can be potentially fatal and no one should be complacent about its severity.

• Further information on measles is available at www.publichealthwales.org/measles Another drop-in vaccination clinic will held in the main outpatient department at the Royal Gwent Hospital on Saturday May 18, 11am-3pm.