Aneurin Bevan Health Board is urging people to get their children vaccinated against measles.

The current outbreak is affecting thousands across South Wales and the health official has responded by running vaccinating clinics in communities.

So far this month, only three cases of measles have been reported in Monmouthshire, with none reported in March, but as a precaution, GPs are offering the vaccination and a clinic will run in Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny on Saturday.

Children over the age of one, up to the age of 25 can be vaccinated, although the school ages of 10-18-years-old are key to stopping the spread if the illness.

The clinic will be held between 10am and 4pm in the outpatients department of the hospital, however organisers are urging people to use their GP as their first stop, as not to over-crowd the clinic.

A spokesperson from Monmouthshire County Council said: "While we have sent information on behalf of Public Health Wales as requested we have no reported cases of measles within Monmouthshire's schools.

"Should an outbreak occur we would work with Public Health Wales and put into place any measures that they request."

A scare concerning the side-effects of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination has put many off from giving their children the injection, however recent medical evidence has rubbished these claims. For more information visit the frequently asked questions about measles section at the Aneurin Bevan website: http://www.aneurinbevanhb.wales.nhs.uk">www.aneurinbevanhb.wales.nhs.uk

The best way to get protected from measles is by giving your child/ teenager the two MMR vaccinations they need.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes. Early symptoms include a high temperature, cough, cold and conjunctivitis (painful, red eyes). A red, blotchy rash appears three to seven days later which usually begins on the face and spreads down over the rest of the body. The person is usually quite ill and often prefers to lie quietly in a darkened room.