The HSE is urging parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles following what it described as a “significant” rise in cases in parts of the UK and Europe.
It has called on people to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including making sure children have an up-to-date MMR vaccine which also protects against mumps and rubella.
Director of the National Immunisation Office for the HSE, Dr Lucy Jessop, told RTE News the virus can spread quickly between people who are not vaccinated, and it can potentially be serious – particularly for babies and vulnerable groups.
She said: “Getting vaccinated against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella is vitally important as these conditions can also lead to other serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
“Remember, if you or your child has missed their childhood vaccines, it’s not too late to catch up.”
