Health experts warn Donegal is at particular risk of a measles outbreak due to a relatively low uptake of the highly effective MMR vaccine.
The warning comes after the HSE confirmed an adult with the infectious disease died in the Dublin and Midlands Health Region.
“MMR vaccine is not only safe but also very effective in preventing measles. The uptake in Donegal is 81.2%, which is clearly below the 95% target set by the World Health Organisation,” warned Dr. Anthony Breslin.
Doctor Breslin is the region’s Consultant in Public Health Medicine. He told Donegal News that babies under one, pregnant women and those who are immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable.
“Two doses of the vaccine are recommended to be considered fully vaccinated. The first dose is recommended when your child is 12 months of age. The second dose is due when your child is in junior infants.
“Parents are encouraged to check that their children’s vaccines are up to date. If any child has missed this vaccine they should get it now from their GP,” urged Dr Breslin.
Early intervention in suspected cases of measles is considered very important in controlling the spread of further infections. MMR vaccine is almost 100% effective if someone has had two doses but it cannot be given to babies aged under one.
“That’s why it’s so important for the rest of us to get vaccinated; to protect babies, those who can’t get the vaccine for medical reasons, those who refuse the vaccine, and those small numbers who do get the vaccine but who don’t get a full immune response.
“There may be vaccine messaging fatigue as we’ve all been through a very difficult few years of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s important to stress that measles is highly preventable through the safe and effective MMR vaccine,” concluded Dr Breslin.
Measles Symptoms May Include
1. Aches & pains, runny nose, sneezing & coughing
2. Sore eyes that become sensitive to light
3. A temperature of 38C or above
4. Small greyish-white spots in the mouth
5. Loss of appetite
6. Tiredness, irritability and a lack of energy
7. Head, neck & body rash (2-4 days after first symptoms)
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