Figures show Oldham has had the highest number of suspected measles cases in Greater Manchester as health experts warn about a "resurgence" of the virus.

The stats come as several suspected cases of the infectious virus have been detected in the North West - with the highest number coming out of Oldham.

According to the government's notifications of infectious diseases database for the past 52 weeks, Oldham has had the highest number of cases in the north west and outside the Manchester city region.

Eight cases have been recorded as suspected in the borough, however, Oldham Council has since stated there have so far been no confirmed cases of measles in the borough.

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Wigan meanwhile followed closely behind with seven suspected cases.

A further five cases of measles were suspected in Rochdale, followed by six in Salford, five in Stockport, four in Tameside and a further four in Trafford.

Meanwhile, Bury has had two cases suspected and Bolton has one.

The city of Manchester has the highest number at 22 followed by the Liverpool city region with eight.

Beyond Greater Manchester and in the North West, Cheshire West and Chester have had five cases, Sefton has suspected three cases, Cheshire East and Knowsley has logged two, while St Helens and South Ribble have one case each.

The Oldham Times understands that GPs sent out messages to patients to urge them to make sure their children are vaccinated against the disease to stop an outbreak in the borough.

NHS Greater Manchester clinical director for population health Dr Helen Wall said: “Ensuring yourself and your child are fully vaccinated against measles is really important.

“It not only protects you and your family against the illness, but it also protects those who you come into contact with who may be vulnerable, such as babies, toddlers and the elderly.

“Since the introduction of the first measles vaccine in 1968 into the routine childhood immunisation programme it is estimated that more than 20 million cases and 4,500 deaths have been averted in the UK.

“Unfortunately, following a decade-long trend of a fall in childhood vaccine uptake we are now seeing a resurgence of measles.

“It is also important to be aware of what symptoms to look out for as the measles virus is highly infectious.”

Symptoms usually appear seven to ten days after contact with the virus and cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough and red, sore or watery eyes.

They also include a high temperature or fever, which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius. 

A non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears three to five days 3-5 days, sometimes starting around the ears before spreading to rest of the body, spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches, which may be harder to see on darker skin tones.

Small white spots may appear inside cheeks and the back of lips, for a few days.

*This article has been edited to make clear Governernment data records all suspected cases

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