Thirteen Irish Children Have Been Hospitalised Following Breakout of Highly Contagious Disease

The Irish Sun has confirmed that the HSE is urging parents to vaccinate their kids following a large outbreak of measles in the country.

There are now 13 known cases of the disease since the start of the year they warned that "there is likely to be further undiagnosed cases in the wider community and that “a number of suspect cases are also being investigated”.

The HSE said: “There are now 12 cases of measles infection confirmed in Limerick City this year and a linked case confirmed in Dublin.

“The best protection against measles is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.

“All children should get MMR at 12 months of age and the second dose at four to five years of age. If your child missed their MMR vaccine you should contact your GP.”

A spokesperson for the HSE told Lovin that: "Anyone who has been exposed and is not immune to measles (either through natural infection or MMR vaccination) may develop measles up to three weeks following date of exposure.

"Measles is highly contagious and is spread easily. The time between exposure to measles and developing the rash is usually 14 days (range 7-21 days).

"People are infectious from 4 days before rash starts until 4 days after."

These are the things to look out for:

Ear infections
A severe cough
Breathing difficulties
Viral and bacterial infections
Eye infections
Runny nose
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Stomach cramps
A rash that starts on the head and spreads down the body - consists of flat red and brown blotches that blend into each other and last for around four to seven days.

The HSE is urging anyone with measles symptoms to:

Stay at home from work. Children should not attend school or crèche.
Call the Department of Public Health at 061 – 483338
Telephone your GP immediately
Experts also recommend that the best way to protect against measles is to get the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, all children should get their first dose of this at 12 months and the second when they are aged 4-5 years.

You can find more information on the matter here.