Parents of children and young adults in Limerick city are being urged to get the measles, mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine as the Health Service Executive in Limerick works to contain an outbreak of measles in the city.
There are now twelve confirmed cases of measles infection in Limerick city and a linked case confirmed in Dublin. Most cases so far are associated with the Ballinacurra Weston and Carew Park area of Southill, both located on the south side of the city.
Four cases were confirmed in early January, and a further six cases up to the first week in February.
The HSE has now confirmed an additional two cases. Most of those affected are children, but not all.
A number of suspect cases are also being investigated.
Public health officials in Limerick are treating the outbreak as serious and expect the number of cases will rise.
A number of free vaccine clinics have been set up in the affected areas to try to control the spread.
They are urging parents who have not got their children their MMR vaccines to do so, as they say it is the best protection. All children should get their first MMR at 12 months, and a second at 4-5 years.
However they are urging all adults particularly those under 40 who have not had the MMR to also get vaccinated.
Official immunisation uptake statistics for the first dose of MMR for children at 12 months show that uptake in Limeick city and county has been consistently just under the target of 95%, which the World Health Organization recommends for population immunity over the past two years.
One case of measles can infect up to 20 unvaccinated people.
The illness causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red rash that can last a week. Vomiting, diarrohea and tummy pain are all associated with measles.
While the number of cases in Ireland has reduced dramaticaly since the introduction of the vaccine, it remains a significant cause of death among young children worldwide.
Director of Public Health in the Mid West Dr Mai Mannix said the MMR vaccine is the safest way parents can protect their children against measles as infants, young children and their families are particularly vulnerable.
She said the vaccine is recognised by the WHO as a highly-effective vaccine and has an outstanding safety record.
She said parents of children throughout Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary who are unsure if their children are fully vaccinated, should get the vaccine, as even if they do have two doses, a third is not harmful.
An outbreak control team made up of representatives from the HSE are involved in managing the outbreak to avoid further spread, and free MMR clinics have been set up in the areas affected for the past two weeks.
A further free MMR clinic is also scheduled for the new Primary Care Centre in Edward Street in the city next Wednesday 21 February from midday.
