IRELAND has now had 18 incidences of measles so far this year as health experts confirmed two more cases in the country.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) also warned that there are a further 22 cases currently under investigation.
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The HPSC’s latest figures confirmed the measles outbreaks are in private houses, with four confirmed cases in one outbreak.
There are three confirmed cases in the second outbreak and two cases in the third.
The stats were released in their weekly report on the state of measles in the country.
The number of cases currently under investigation includes probable and possible cases of measles.
Probable and possible cases of measles have not been laboratory confirmed.
This comes after a number of Irish parents were warned last week that their families may have been exposed to measles at a children’s play centre.
The HSE and the Department of Public Health confirmed a measles case in Dublin.
They issued an urgent alert to anyone who went to Ship Shape Kids Play in Castleknock on the afternoon of April 4.
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Visitors to the indoor play centre may have been exposed to the virus.
Officials said: “Be alert for symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure.
“Make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines.”
The play centre has remained open to the public and people can still attend.
HSE bosses urged people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure – which would be until April 25 in this incident.
Children under 12 months, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable.
Measles often begin with cold like symptoms including aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing or a cough.
You may have sore, red eyes that are sensitive to light, a temperature of 38C to 40C, and small, grey-white spots inside your mouth.
These symptoms develop about 10 days after a person gets infected.
Serious complications of measles can result in pneumonia or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
One in five people infected may be hospitalised and it can be fatal.
Anyone with these symptoms is urged to get medical advice and to phone ahead before attending a healthcare facility.
The HSE has also advised people to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
A MMR “catch up” vaccine programme has been rolled out.
It’s available for children, young adults and health care workers who may have missed their vaccines.
Specific groups including students and young people in education settings, underserved groups including refugees, applicants seeking protection and other minority groups can apply.
For more information about measles see the HSE’s website.
SIGNS OF MEASLES
– Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
– Sore red eyes
– A temperature of 38C or above
– A rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and then spreads to rest of body
