The Department of Public Health in the HSE West and North West has stated that it is investigating confirmed cases of measles in County Galway.
The cases, reported in mid-May, involve children and have prompted an urgent public health response.
Officials are currently identifying and advising close contacts of the infected individuals, as part of efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious illness, with symptoms including a high temperature over 38 degrees Celsius, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a rash that usually begins on the head and neck before spreading across the body. In some cases, vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain may also occur.
Posing a serious risk
Dr Emer O’Connell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, has warned that measles poses a serious risk.
“Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious. One person with the disease can infect 90 per cent of the people around them who have not been immunised. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine," said Dr O'Connell.
The HSE is urging people to check that they and their families are up to date with their MMR vaccinations, which offer strong protection against the disease. The vaccine is available through GPs.
Children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at one year old and the second dose in junior infants at age four or five. One dose protects over 90 per cent of children, with the second dose boosting protection to over 99 per cent.
If you or your child shows signs of measles, you are advised to stay at home and contact your GP by phone.
Avoid contact with others, especially pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems.
More information is available on the HSE website at www.hse.ie.
