The HSE is urging parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against measles before travelling abroad this summer.
The majority of measles cases which have been reported in Ireland in recent years have been imported from abroad, or been connected to an imported case.
This is related to people travelling to countries with lower uptake of the measles vaccine.
Dr Áine McNamara, Area Director of Public Health, Department of Public Health HSE West and North West, advised “Measles is highly infectious and can be an acute and serious infection.”
“It usually starts with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. It’s followed a few days later by a red rash that starts on the head and spreads downwards over the face, neck and body.”
“Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death.”
If a child has missed their MMR vaccines it’s not too late to get protected-this is especially important for anyone planning to travel outside Ireland.
The vaccine should be administered two weeks prior to travel. Additionally it is advised that a child between 6 and 11 months travelling abroad receives an MMR vaccine two weeks before travelling.
They should then get their next dose as normal at 12 months and the final dose in junior infants.
“In recent years, most cases of measles reported in Ireland are imported or import related cases,” Dr McNamaresaid. “Measles is more common in countries where uptake of measles vaccine is below recommended levels.”
“The only protection against measles is vaccination. When preparing to travel overseas it’s a good time to check your vaccination records and make sure that your family has had the recommended number of MMR vaccines.”
“Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or travel health clinic” said Dr McNamara.
Be aware of the symptoms of measles especially if you have travelled abroad recently.
If you have symptoms, please seek medical advice. Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements to avoid infecting others attending your GP or Emergency Department.
MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from HSE community catch up clinics for eligible people. A list clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics.
All clinics are walk-in or you can book an appointment by visiting: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment
