Parents are being urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles.
The HSE has issued the warning, after a 45 fold increase in cases of the disease across Europe between 2022 and 2023.
Ireland has fallen below the recommended vaccination rate of 95%, with a decline in those getting the MMR shot since the Covid pandemic.
HSE National Immunisation Lead Dr Lucy Jessop said parents should take preventative action to protect their children.
“Several countries are now reporting outbreaks, including the United Kingdom, as well as Romania, France and Australia,” she said.
“So, there are a lot of cases circulating across Europe and in other countries in the world as well.
“So, it’s really important that we have a 95% update to protect our population.”
❗Measles cases are rising right now in Europe.
Many children in Ireland and Europe are not fully vaccinated against measles.
Watch to learn why the MMR vaccine is important for you and your family ⬇️https://t.co/DSLndTq7mi— HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) (@HSEImm) May 17, 2023
Measles is extremely infectious, with one infected person likely to spread the disease to at least 12 others if they are unvaccinated.
It can lead to pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.
“Really our message is to get vaccinated on time if your baby is due those vaccines and if you think your baby or young child is due those vaccines to come forward now,” she said.
“Contact your GP, the vaccine gives really high protection but if you’re not vaccinated it’s extremely infectious and it can be a very serious illness.”
As well as measles, the MMR vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella.
Main image: A child is vaccinated.
