Four cases of the Measles in the capital have been confirmed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

 

The health authorities have subsequently issued a public warning to remain aware of the signs of the illness. 

 

The new incidents of the Measles brings the Irish count of the infection to six, as an adult and a child contracted the contagious illness in July.

 

The recent outbreak involved two adults and two children who reportedly picked it up in Dublin hospitals.

 

 

The Independent.ie reports two patients attended four different hospitals in the capital when they were at their most contagious.

 

The two individuals had returned to Ireland after being in mainland Europe, said the publication.

 

In light of the outbreak, a specialist in Public Health Medicine, Dr Helena Murray told the Independent.ie:

 

"Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine".

 

 

Ireland isn't the only one to suffer outbreaks of the Measles. 

 

Currently, there is an wider spread of the disease impacting Europe.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that 35 people have died from the infection over the last 12 months.

 

 

The Measles is acute viral disease and usually starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, says the HSE

 

Usually a red rash follows on the head and spreads downwards over the face, neck and body.

 

It's possible that the disease can cause chest infections, fits, ear infections, swelling of the brain and brain damage.

 

The HSE also highlighted that children under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with poor immunity are most at risk of having a worst bout of the illness. 

 

The Measles virus is highly contagious and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. 

 

 

A spokesperson for the HSE said that:

 

"Measles is highly contagious and is spread easily. The time between exposure to measles and developing the rash is usually 14 days (range 7-21 days)."

 

"People are infectious from four days before rash starts until four days after," they added.

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