CASES of measles continue to rise in Scotland with the number of patients falling ill climbing by more than 60%.

GPs have notified officials of 66 cases of the virus so far this year compared to 25 for the same period in 2012.

Last week another 15 people were diagnosed with measles, according to the latest up-date.

In the same week last year just three cases were reported.

The surge follows an outbreak of measles in England and Wales in which thousands have fallen ill.

It has prompted a drive to vaccinate young people against measles who missed out on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Uptake of the triple vaccine dropped in the late 1990s amid concerns about a link with autism which has now been discredited.

Rates in Swansea, which is currently a measles hotspot, fell to 70%, but in Scotland remained relatively high at 87%.

Experts believe this should prevent an epidemic of cases north of the Border.

Health Protection Scotland, which monitors infectious diseases, has said heightened awareness of measles given the current publicity may have prompted GPs to report more suspected cases.

NHS Fife and NHS Ayrshire and Arran both urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated this week after small clusters of cases.