THREE MORE MEASLES cases have been confirmed in Ireland, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 16.

In addition to the 16 confirmed cases, there are a further 16 cases currently under investigation for measles, according to the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

The HPSC data also shows that there have been two measles outbreaks.

Both outbreaks were in private homes, with four confirmed cases in one outbreak and three confirmed cases in the second outbreak.

There were four confirmed cases of measles last year, two confirmed cases in 2022, no cases were confirmed in 2021, and five cases were confirmed in 2020.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.

It typically starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after a person gets infected. The person will get a rash a few days later.

Symptoms include:

• Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
• Sore red eyes
• A temperature of 38 degrees celsius or above
• A rash, which usually appear on the head and neck before spreading to the rest of the body

The illness usually lasts for seven to 10 days. You can read more in our explainer on the disease here.

Vaccine

A new MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccine) catch-up vaccination programme has been rolled out amid fears of a possible outbreak here.

Some 310,000 people will be eligible for the vaccine under the programme which is estimated to cost €4.6 million. The vaccines will be administered by GPs and HSE vaccination teams.

Under the new programme, children and young adults not already vaccinated will be prioritised for vaccination.

The next priority group will be healthcare workers, followed by underserved groups such as homeless people, refugees and international protection applicants.

Contains reporting by Órla Ryan