9 hours ago
Urgent warning to Irish holidaymakers about measles outbreaks in European countries
France, Spain, Romania and the Netherlands have all seen outbreaks as well the US, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Irish families heading to European holiday destinations this summer have been warned of large measles outbreaks.
France, Spain, Romania and the Netherlands have all seen outbreaks as well the US, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) said the HSE is concerned that measles outbreaks may occur in Ireland this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where measles cases have been reported.
Cases rose last year, with several outbreaks, and around 16 have been reported in the last 12 weeks.
Last year, Europe had the highest level of measles in 25 years, with 127,000 cases reported, the most since 1997.
The HSPC said the 'best way to protect you and your family against measles is to ensure all family members are up to date with the recommended doses of MMR vaccine before travelling abroad'.
It is recommended that individuals receive MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel
'MMR vaccine is available free of charge at your GP for individuals born on or after January 1, 1978 who are not age-appropriately vaccinated,' it said.
'In addition, infants aged six months to under 12 months are eligible to receive an MMR vaccine, free of charge at their GP, prior to travel abroad.
'It is recommended that individuals receive MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.'
It pointed out that measles 'is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among individuals who are unvaccinated'.
'Measles cases continue to be reported in most European countries, with large outbreaks reported in some countries in 2025,' it added.
It advised that 'the best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is to ensure you and your family members are age-appropriately vaccinated with MMR vaccine'.
'HSE recommends that all people who are eligible for MMR vaccination should be vaccinated, regardless of whether planning on travel abroad or not.'
It said that children receive the MMR vaccine as part of their routine childhood vaccines at 12 months of age from their GP.
Measles symptoms are typically fever, cough and a runny nose, with a rash that develops a few days later.
It can lead to serious complications in some cases such as sepsis, pneumonia and swelling of the brain, which can cause long-term disability and even death.
Two doses of MMR vaccine can lead to 99pc protection, but uptake is still too low in some areas.
