A third measles case has been confirmed in Ireland, the Chief Medical Officer has said.
Although there have been outbreaks across Europe, the number of people contracting the disease in Ireland have so far remained small.
The World Health Organisation has said around 95% of a population needs to be vaccinated against measles to achieve herd immunity.
Chief Medical Officer Breda Smyth is warning that the disease could spread in Ireland if unvaccinated people do not avail of the vaccine catch-up programme.
“By having that 95% uptake of the vaccine, we are protecting the vulnerable in our population,” she told Newstalk.
“So, yes I am concerned about it, I would urge everyone to come out and if they are being invited to have a vaccine, to take up that offer.”
A serious infection
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can, in a small number of cases, prove fatal.
According to the HSE, there are also a number of serious complications associated with the disease - including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) - and one in five people who catch it end up in hospital.
A child is vaccinated. Alamy.com 16 August 2021It starts with cold-like symptoms and the illness usually lasts between a week and 10 days.
If you have not been fully vaccinated against measles, the HSE recommends you make an appointment through your GP to get one.
Main image: Dr Breda Smyth. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie
