Six cases of measles recorded in Ireland amid European surge

Last year saw a 22% increase in global cases from the year before, with an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles. This has been attributed to low vaccination rates.

Six children with measles were counted in the latest weekly update for Ireland, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of a surge in cases across Europe.

Low vaccination rates against measles globally is driving the surge in cases, the WHO said.

The six Irish cases are all in the Dublin region, with four children aged between five and 12, one child under four years of age, and one teenager.

There were no cases here during the same time period over the last four years, data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre indicates.

Last year saw a 22% increase in global cases from the year before, with an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles. 

Tragically, 107,500 people, mostly children younger than 5 years of age, died due to measles last year.

Europe “experienced a substantial upsurge in cases”, the WHO said.

“More than 22 million children missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2023,” they said.

“Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.” 

'We must invest in immunisation'

In order to prevent measles outbreaks 95% or more of children need to be vaccinated. Babies and young children are at greatest risk of serious complications including blindness. 

“The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunisation for every person, no matter where they live.” 

Ireland is also seeing the slow but steady rise of winter illnesses this month. This includes 44 people hospitalised with flu in the first week of November and 156 new cases.

There were 48 new cases of RSV, the virus mainly affecting children, in that week and 20 people were hospitalised. Intensive care was needed by one person.

Covid-19 also remains a problem with 77 people in hospital, including one person admitted to an intensive care unit. 

The recorded covid-19 cases are most often seen in people aged over 65, HPSC figures show.