Measles outbreak continues in Donegal

The HSE has confirmed today that they are continuing to deal with a measles outbreak in Donegal.
Last week two cases were confirmed with a link to a third level institution in Galway. Today, the body says 3 more probable cases have been identified and they are investigating several other possible cases.
The HSE is asking anyone who has symptoms of the disease to contact their GP in the first instance to enable the GP to make special arrangements for the patient to attend the surgery.
They say while the majority of children in Donegal still receive the MMR vaccine, the numbers have been dropping slightly over the past few years which has resulted in measles outbreaks occurring in Ireland and across Europe.
HSE Statement in Full:
The measles outbreak is continuing in Donegal. Last week, we had 2 confirmed cases. Today we have 3 more probable cases and we are investigating several other possible cases.
Measles is very infectious and the illness can have serious complications, especially for infants under 12 months and those with weakened immune systems. That’s why it is so important for anyone who has symptoms of measles to try to avoid spreading the infection to others. We advise anyone who is worried that they may have measles to call their GP first and inform them. This is because you might be infectious to others at the GP surgery. Your GP will be able to make special arrangements for you to come in and see him or her and do tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Measles is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles infection typically causes a rash, fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), cough or runny nose. The rash usually starts four days after the other symptoms. The rash starts on the forehead, spreads behind the ears and then down the trunk. Measles infection can have serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). 1-2 people out of every 1,000 who become infected with measles will die.
The best way to prevent measles infection is with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is 99% effective at preventing measles infection. The first dose of the MMR is usually given to children at 12 months of age, with a second dose given at 4-5 years of age. The MMR vaccine has been used for many years and is very safe. Anyone born since 1978 who is unsure if they have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine, such as MMR, should speak with their GP. Most people born before 1978 have had measles infection and will not get measles again.
While the majority of children in Donegal still receive the MMR vaccine, the numbers have been dropping slightly over the past few years. As soon as vaccination rates fall, old diseases re-emerge. This is why measles outbreaks are occurring in Ireland and across Europe.
For more information on measles please see http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/Measles/