People in the mid west are being urged to get the MMR vaccine if they have not already done so, due to a continuing outbreak of measles.

According to the HSE, 25 cases of the disease have been confirmed in the mid west since the beginning of the year. The majority of these cases are in Limerick city. One case has been confirmed in Clare, however this has also been linked to Limerick.

Almost two-thirds of the cases have occurred in people aged between 15 and 40 and half of all the cases have required hospitalisation.

The HSE is calling on all people under the age of 40 to get vaccinated.

"This measles outbreak is continuing because we do not have herd immunity. i.e. the proportion of the population immune to measles is less than 95%. The only effective protection against measles is two doses of the MMR vaccine. Anyone who has not had two doses is at high risk of getting measles if they come in contact with someone who has it.

"Many adults this age also have young children, which means they are more likely to be exposed to measles and may in turn expose their babies and young children to measles if they get it," the HSE noted.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a viral infection. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. It causes cold-like symptoms and a rash, but can also lead to more serious complications, such as breathing difficulties, pneumonia and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

The measles rash is made up of red or brown blotches. It usually starts on the forehead and moves downward over the face, neck and body. Other symptoms of measles can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes.

The MMR vaccine is given twice - at 12 months of age and again at four-to-five years - as part of the routine immunisation programme. However people who have not been vaccinated can get it from their GP.

The HSE is reminding adults that if they are unsure whether they have been vaccinated, ‘it is not harmful to have extra doses to be on the safe side'.

The measles vaccine was introduced in Ireland in 1985 and the MMR was introduced in 1988. The HSE pointed out that:
-Most of those over the age of 40 are immune to measles due to natural infection
-Most aged 35 - 40 years have not had measles and have not received the MMR vaccination
-Those aged 30 - 34 may have received one dose of the MMR
-Those aged under 30 years would have had the opportunity to get two doses of MMR, but uptake was less than 70% for some age groups.

The HSE is also calling on parents in the mid west to ensure that their children have been vaccinated at the appropriate ages.

"People who cannot get the MMR vaccine i.e. young infants, pregnant women and those whose immune systems are weakened, such as cancer patients, are relying on the people around them who can get the MMR vaccine to help protect them," the HSE said.

It is providing free MMR vaccination clinics (no appointment needed) in Barrack View Primary Care Centre, Edward Street, Limerick, on the next four Thursdays - March 22, March 29, April 5 and April 12 - from 3-4pm.

As part of these outbreak control measures, the MMR is also being provided free of charge through GPs. The HSE is paying for the vaccine and for the GP to give the vaccine. Anyone who does not have a medical card will need to provide their PPSN.

For more information on measles, click here