HSE warns of a measles outbreak

The HSE has warned of a measles outbreak in various parts of the country and which is particularly affecting those who had not received the MMR vaccine.

To date 19 measles cases have been linked to the outbreak, of which the HSE said 13 are confirmed and six are probable. The fear is that it could be passed on to vulnerable people such as young babies and those with a weakened immune system.

A number of the infected people were identified as having been in Kerry, Dublin and Limerick. “All cases have occurred in individuals under 30 years of age, with most cases occurring in the 15-19 year age group,” the HSE said in a statement. “It is believed that the source of infection most likely came from another European country where measles outbreaks are occurring.”