19 cases have been reported so far in Ireland.
The HSE are currently investigating 19 ongoing cases of measles outbreak in different parts of Ireland, 13 have been confirmed and six are probable.
Most of the cases have occurred in the 15-19 year age group and outbreak control teams have been summoned in HSE East, South and Midwest.
It is believed that the source of infection most likely came from another European country where measles outbreaks are occurring. It is understood that most of those affected had not received the MMR (Measles- Mumps- Rubella) vaccine.
The following areas have been identified as places where individuals confirmed with measles have been while infectious in the past month:
Dr Kevin Kelleher, Consultant in Public Health said they’re “ looking to raise public awareness around the signs and symptoms of the condition and ensure that anyone with concerns addresses them immediately in order to receive a rapid diagnosis. He also stressed that “measles is highly infectious, and if cases are isolated early, the risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals decreases. The time between exposure to the virus and developing measles rash is normally 14 days (range 7-21 days). People are infectious from 4 days before rash starts until 4 days after.”
Anyone that has been fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine should be protected. Those most at risk are those who are not fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR, babies (younger than 12 months so too young to be vaccinated), and those with weakened immune systems.
Measles symptoms include: high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red rash that starts on the head and spreads down the body.
If anyone develops these symptoms then they should stay at home and phone their GP.
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