The measles outbreak continues in Donegal | Highland Radio

The measles epidemic continues in Donegal.

The HSE confirmed that to date, 7 measles cases have been confirmed in the Donegal region.

Other suspected cases are being investigated. A number of children exposed to measles have been asked to stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

HSE would like to thank patients, their families, GPs and NoWDOCs, hospital staff, laboratories, schools and crèches for their help and cooperation.

Dr. Anthony Breslin, a public health specialist, said, "Measles is a serious and very contagious disease. The current epidemic has a significant impact on a large number of people. The MMR vaccine helps prevent measles. "

Measles is spread through direct contact with an infected person or by air when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles infection usually causes rash, fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), coughing, or runny nose. The rash usually begins four days after the other symptoms. The eruption begins on the forehead, extends behind the ears and then into the trunk. Measles infection can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, convulsions and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). 1 in 1,000 people infected with measles will die.
The best way to prevent measles infection is to administer 2 doses of MMR vaccine. It is 99% effective in preventing measles infection. The first dose of MMR is usually given to children at the age of 12 months, and a second dose at the age of 4 or 5 years. The MMR vaccine has been used for many years and is very safe. Anyone born since 1978 who does not know if he has received two doses of a vaccine containing the measles vaccine, such as the MMR vaccine, should talk to his general practitioner. Most people born before 1978 have been infected with measles and will not be infected.

The majority of Donegal children still receive the MMR vaccine, but their numbers have decreased slightly in recent years. As vaccination rates decline, old diseases reappear. This is why measles outbreaks occur in Ireland and throughout Europe.