Warning as 11th Irish case of measles confirmed with 4 key signs to watch for

AN urgent warning has been issued after an 11th case of the measles was confirmed in Ireland.

In recent months the disease has been gaining traction across the country, with a number of symptoms to watch out for.

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One outbreak caused the infection to be passed on to four people.

Another 14 possible cases are being investigated.

This means that the cases are not just being “imported” from abroad but are also spreading within the country.

The weekly infectious disease report shows that two cases were confirmed in Ireland last week.

Included in the confirmed cases and those that were being investigated, two were in the east, two were in the midlands, one was in the north-east, one was in the south and two were in the south-east.

Five cases were in children under four, three were in children between ages 5 and 9, one was a teenager and one was in a person aged between 45 and 54.

Six were males and four were females.

Earlier this year a man in his 40s from Westmeath died after contracting measles abroad.

Last month two airline passengers were found to have measles, and another case involved a person in the west.

SYMPTOMS

Measles can be serious and is highly infectious, spreading easily through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, a cough, red rash and a runny nose.

Good hygiene is important to prevent the spread of measles.

This can be achieved by washing hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has measles, you are advised to phone your doctor for advice and inform healthcare providers of your recent travel history.

It is also recommended to stay home and avoid having visitors.

People with lowered immune systems, pregnant women and babies under 12 months are the highest concern.

The vaccination rate in Ireland is below 90 per cent, though it should be at 95 per cent.

Doctors have previously noted that the vaccine uptake “could be better”.

The HSE has rolled out a measles vaccination drive hoping to get numbers up.

VACCINE DRIVE

Those looking to get the vaccine can attend free walk-in MMR vaccine clinics, or attend their GP.

The MMR vaccine helps to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

Two doses are recommended, and only then you can be considered fully vaccinated.

Children get the first dose at 12 months old, and the second is given in junior infants.

It is recommended not to delay the first dose as measles can be more severe in young children.

To find out if you and your family are fully vaccinated against measles, you can contact your GP to ensure both doses of the MMR vaccine have been received.

The HSE is also providing clinics for groups including students and young people in education settings, groups including refugees, applicants and other minority groups.

Director of the National Immunisation Office at the HSE, Dr Lucy Jessop stressed the importance of taking precautions to protect from measles.

She said: “While measles is preventable through vaccination, the virus spreads very quickly between people who are not vaccinated and can have severe consequences, particularly for babies and vulnerable groups.

“Getting vaccinated against ­diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella is vitally important, as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems, including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

“If you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up.”