Extra efforts are being made to contain a measles epidemic amid fears of an outbreak outside the worst affected area.

Public Health Wales (PHW) warned today of its concern over a rise in cases in the Gwent area, taking in Newport.

It comes as figures for the greater Swansea area, the centre of the epidemic, show a further slowing in the number of cases.

An extra 13 measles cases have been recorded in the last two days, bringing the headline total for the area to 1,074.

The three main areas affected have been greater Swansea, covered by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, and the Powys and Hywel Dda health board areas.

Concern remains high that the worst affected 10 to 18 age group is still not coming forward in large enough numbers.

The headline rate for measles cases across Wales now stands at 1,237.

The Gwent area is of particular concern because it has seen 84 cases since the start of November.

Almost 10,000 of the 10 to 18 age group within the Gwent Health Board area are known to be without measles protection.

A drop-in clinic will be held in Newport giving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab to anyone in need of vaccination.

Since the outbreak of the measles epidemic in November more than 43,000 non-routine MMR jabs have been given.

Over that period in the greater Swansea area the number of unvaccinated children has reduced by 46%, but concerns persist because there are 38,000 still unvaccinated across Wales.

With fewer than 2,500 of the 10 to 18 age group receiving the MMR jab in Gwent so far there is the potential for further outbreaks.

Dr Marion Lyons, PHW director of health protection, said: "Thirteen new cases in the last two days may not seem like a lot, but it should be remembered that in 2011, we only saw 19 measles cases in the whole of Wales for the whole of the year.

"The 84 cases in Gwent are a huge concern to us and with 10,000 children there still in need of vaccination we are warning young people and parents not to be complacent just because they don't live in the outbreak area.

"There is no way of knowing where the next outbreak could strike so the message is simple - wherever you live in Wales, if you are a young person who hasn't received two doses of MMR or the parent of a child who hasn't, please arrange vaccination urgently.

"It is encouraging to see so many parents bringing their children for vaccination now who refused the vaccine in the past, and we must keep this up if we are going to see an end to the current outbreak and have the best chance of preventing more outbreaks in the future.’’ PHW is also reminding young people and parents of children who have already received the first dose of the MMR vaccination in the last month to arrange to receive the second dose to be fully vaccinated.

One dose of MMR provides 90% protection against measles but two doses provides the maximum 99%.

Vaccination sessions are continuing in schools across Wales, and further Saturday drop-in clinics will be held in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area tomorrow.

On Saturday four clinics will be held at Singleton and Morriston hospitals in Swansea, the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Hospital between 10am and 4pm. No appointment is needed.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board is holding a clinic between 11am and 3pm on Saturday May 18 at the outpatients department of the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.

No appointment is necessary but babies under 12 months cannot be vaccinated.

Dr Lyons said: "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.

"The MMR vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organisation, UK Department of Health and Public Health Wales as the most effective and safe way to protect children against measles.’’ Unvaccinated children aged between six and 12 months living in or travelling to the outbreak areas of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot or North Powys can be offered vaccination by their GP.

There is no adverse effect to this extra jab and those children would still need to receive the recommended two doses at 12 months and three years and four months.