Total number of measles cases rises to 11 in Ireland
Two more cases confirmed as HSE steps up vaccine catch up programme
Two new cases of measles have been confirmed in Ireland, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 11.
There were also eight possible cases between March 24-30, according to latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
Measles is highly infectious and can be a serious infection. It causes a rash illness, with cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and high fever.
Complications of measles include ear infections, pneumonia, febrile seizures and less commonly encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death.
A number of cases have been recently reported in Ireland, with two or more cases of measles are classed as an outbreak.
A man in Leinster died earlier this year after contracting the infection, the first measles death in Ireland in over 20 years.
The HSE have rolled out a vaccine catch-up programme in recent weeks.
The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past including children, young adults and healthcare workers.
The best protection against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed and if a child or adult is not fully protected then MMR vaccines can be obtained from your GP or a HSE Vaccination Clinic.