The HSE has warned parents about the measles outbreak as it has worsened. It is understood that the outbreak is spreading across the country, as the Health Service Executive has confirmed a total of 40 cases in Ireland.
The Midwest is the worst affected area with 29 confirmed cases, followed by six cases in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
There are also over 20 suspected cases of measles across the country, but the HSE has not yet confirmed them.
Doctors have advised parents to vaccinate their children against the virus by getting the MMR vaccine. Children will receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is free of charge for those in the Limerick area.
An MMR vaccination clinic has been set up in Limerick city, where parents can avail of the vaccine for free.
The HSE has stressed the importance of vaccinating youths against measles as it can be fatal in certain cases.
They have asked the public to look out for the following symptoms:
The first symptoms of measles are usually fever, runny nose, cough, and runny eyes. The rash will appear a few days later usually starting on the face and neck and progressing to other parts of the body. In the beginning stages, the rash looks like red patches that are flat but soon begin to rise. Fever will climb and can become dangerously high.
There may be nausea, diarrhoea, and swollen lymph nodes as well. The rash is very itchy and will last about five days.
Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, and other brain-related illnesses.
