The HSE has again expressed concern about an outbreak of measles in Dublin.

Since July, there have been 13 measles cases in both adults and children in north Dublin's inner city area.

According to the HSE, transmission has occurred ‘in Dublin hospitals and in households with poor vaccine uptake', and it is now starting to see cases of acquired measles in the wider inner city community.

"Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine," commented public health doctor, Dr Ruth McDermott.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a viral infection. 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 flat red or brown blotches, which can flow into each other. It usually starts on the forehead and moves downward over the face, neck and body, and can last between four and seven days. Other symptoms of measles can include abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The time between exposure to measles and developing the rash is between seven and 21 days (usually 14 days), and people are infectious from four days before the rash starts until four days after.

The MMR vaccine is given twice to children - at 12 months of age and again at four-to-five years - as part of the routine immunisation programme.

The HSE advises parents/guardians to ensure their children get this vaccine at the appropriate times. Adults under the age of 40 who have not had measles, or have not received two doses of MMR, should contact their GP to get the vaccine.

Adults over the age of 40 can sometimes be at risk also. If they have never had measles or a measles vaccine, they should consider getting the MMR vaccine from their GP.

The HSE is also advising people that there are ongoing measles outbreaks in a number of European countries and worldwide, including popular holiday destinations, such as France, Italy and Greece.

So far this year, 31 measles-related deaths have occurred in EU countries.

The HSE is advising people travelling with babies aged six to 11 months to regions where measles has been reported, to have the infants vaccinated with MMR. A dose given before 12 months of age does not replace the dose that would normally be given at 12 months.

Meanwhile, if you think you have measles, the HSE advises the following:

-Do not go to work, school or crèche
-Stay at home and phone your GP. Tell the doctor or nurse that you think you might have measles
-Stop visitors coming to the house to prevent the spread of measles
-Pregnant women who have been exposed to measles should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more information on measles, click here