HSE issues advice to parents as cases of measles rise

THE
Health Service Executive (HSE) is strongly advising parents to ensure their
children have two doses of the MMR vaccine, as cases of measles begin to rise
in Ireland and across Europe.

The
MMR vaccine is the only protection available from measles, which can be a very
serious and sometimes fatal illness.

Dr
Margaret Fitzgerald, HSE Director of Public Health, said there has been a rapid
increase in the number of measles cases recently, most of them centred in North
Dublin city.

“Measles
is a serious illness, and the MMR vaccine is the only protection against it,

?
stated Dr Fitzgerald.

“In
the year 2000, a serious outbreak in Dublin saw cases rise as high as 1,600,
and claimed the lives of three young children.

“Measles
is a highly infectious and dangerous illness which spreads very easily,
particularly in homes, crèches, playgroups, camps, schools and universities.

?

There
have been 135 cases of measles in Ireland since the start of 2011, with over 70
per cent arising in North Dublin city.

Of
the more than 26,000 cases across Europe, some have resulted in severe
outcomes, with six deaths, 14 neurological complications and 444 cases of
severe pneumonia.

Dr
Fitzgerald added:

“We urge parents to make sure their children are fully
protected by having the complete course of two MMR vaccinations.

“In
Ireland, the first MMR dose is given at 12 months and the second dose at 4-5
years-of-age.

“At
the moment, only 90 per cent of children in Ireland have received one dose of
MMR by two-years-of-age, which is below the target of 95 per cent to prevent
cases of measles and measles outbreaks.

?

Meanwhile,
the HSE has begun writing to GPs in the north inner city area informing them of
the rising numbers of cases and giving specific advice on vaccination measures.

The
HSE is also arranging for special MMR vaccination clinics to be delivered in
primary schools in the North Dublin area when the schools return in September.
The MMR vaccine is free.

For more information visit
www.hse.ie or www.immunisation.ie