(First published on Her.ie, and republished here with permission).
The HSE has confirmed an increase in measles cases.
Measles cases are on the rise in Ireland, but the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has urged the public not to panic.
There were 11 cases of measles reported to the HSE in the last week. This is a jump compared to three possible cases that were reported the week prior.
Most of the cases were discovered in children. Five cases were found in children aged 0 to 4 years. Four cases were found in children aged between 5 and 9.
There was also one possible case found in a child aged between 10 and 14. The increase in cases comes after a man in his 40s sadly died from the disease in the Leinster area.
The patient reportedly contracted the virus during a trip to the United Kingdom. He died in a hospital in the Dublin and Midlands health region, but the exact location has not been disclosed.
The HSE has urged the public to ensure they’re up to date with their MMR vaccine, especially if they have children.
CMO Breda Smyth advised the public: “We need to prevent as many cases, serious illnesses, and deaths as possible. Please get your MMR vaccine.”
Measles is a highly infectious disease, but the symptoms usually only last for ten days.
The main symptoms include a distinctive red rash, a fever, cold/flu-like symptoms, sensitivity to light, as well as grey spots in your mouth.
You can read more about the measles and its symptoms here.
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