More outbreaks of measles are being confirmed in Sussex. 

Latest figures reveal there have been 314 confirmed reports of the virus so far this year and more are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. At the end of June, the number had reached 232, and on July 28 it was 304. 

The county has more cases than anywhere else in the country apart from Merseyside.

Brighton and Hove is the hardest hit area, with 186 reports, while East Sussex has 88 and West Sussex, 40. There were 173 cases across the county in 2011.

The actual number of cases is believed to be higher because not every suspected measles case is sent for testing.

Health bosses say measles is potentially a serious condition. The most common complications of measles are ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea and related dehydration.

Other less common complications include convulsions and encephalitis, an infection that causes the brain to swell.

Health bosses say poor take up rates for the two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine have contributed to the outbreak.

Clinics are being held in Brighton and Hove during the summer holidays to get people up-to-date with their measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations.

The next two are at the School Clinic in Morley Street on Thursday and Hollingdean Children's Centre in Brentwood Road on Friday.  Both sessions run from 9am to noon.

For more details call 01273 267318 or 01273 265699.