Health board issues whooping cough alert

The Mid-Western Health Board has issued a whooping cough alert after five people - aged between seven weeks and 17 years old - were diagnosed with the disease.

The confirmed cases originated in Limerick and Clare.

Another eight suspected cases are being investigated by the MWHB, which has asked those who may be infected not to attend creches or summer camps.

The disease is most serious in young babies and can lead to brain damage.