THE measles outbreak centred on the Swansea area, which saw more than 1,200 cases confirmed there and hundreds of others in areas including Gwent, is over.

Eight months after it began, Public Health Wales has announced there have been no laboratory confirmed measles cases linked to the outbreak area since May 22, indicating the outbreak is now over.

But experts are warning that with around 30,000 unvaccinated children aged 10-18 across Wales, including several thousands in Gwent, there remainsl a possibility of a further outbreak.

"We remain concerned about the large numbers still not vaccinated, and would remind those young people and those parents that they remain at risk of measles," said Dr Marion Lyons, director of health protection for Public Health Wales.

"Even now that the outbreak is over, and should speak to their GP about vaccination as soon as possible.

“The only reason this outbreak could happen was because not enough young people in Wales were fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine), and there is absolutely no guarantee that this could not happen again.”

There have been 133 cases notified in Gwent during 2013, the majority in April and May. Eighty were in children aged 0-9 years.

Almost 76,000 unscheduled MMR vaccinations were given at GP surgeries, weekend drop-in sessions, schools and colleges during the outbreak period.

Dr Lyons praised NHS staff who helped at the catch-up sessions.

“Without so many vaccinations being given, we know that the outbreak could have continued for many more months."