HSE Issue Warning Amid 'Significant' Rise In Measles Cases In Europe

Parents have been urged to ensure that their children have been fully vaccinated against measles, amid reports of a "significant" rise in cases across the UK and Europe.

The HSE has issued this warning amid the sharp rise, calling on people to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, which include ensuring that children have received an up-to-date MMR vaccine, protecting them against illnesses such as mumps and rubella.

This comes after a GP had warned that the amount of people being vaccinated against the virus in this country is not meeting the required levels, regarding the key percentage needed for protection against this virus, leading to growing concerns.

According to Dr Ilona Duffy, the rate of vaccination against this disease in Ireland stands at 90%, which is 5 per cent below the required vaccine levels.

Speaking recently about this issue, Lucy Jessop the Director of the National Immunisation Office for the HSE, has said that Measles is an extremely contagious disease, with one case capable of spreading to twelve very easily. 

She also added that this disease can spread between people who are not vaccinated, leading to potentially dangerous consequences, especially in babies and vulnerable people. 

"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", she said. "Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it's not too late to catch up". 

Dr Jessop added that with mid-term break coming up, more people will be travelling to and from the country, and can be contagious for several days, before breaking out in a rash.

She has encouraged parents to consult with their GP, to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated against the virus.

"deeply serious"

When asked for possible reasons for the low figures of vaccination against Measles, Dr Ilona Duffy mentioned new cohorts of people arriving in Ireland, who do not believe in the benefits of getting the jab.

"When we had lots of cases of measles, mumps, rubella and other more serious illnesses, people understood how deeply serious they were and how they could lead to death and permanent disability", Dr Duffy said. "But because we aren't seeing that and that's not been reported, and people have forgotten the benefit of the vaccines and the need for them". 

Dr Duffy added that according to US data, one in five people who contract Measles, require hospital treatment.

She said, "One in a 1,000 will develop swelling in their brain - they'll develop a disease called encephalitis which is very serious. And about one to three out of every thousand people in the USA have been reported as dying as a result of measles. These are high figures". 

Symptoms for Measles include high fever, runny nose, cough, or characteristic rash. Anyone who has developed these symptoms or has come into contact with someone with Measles, has been asked to stay at home, and get in touch with their doctor.