
Share
7th February 2018
08:06pm GMT

Measles is highly contagious and is caused by the rubeola virus. Although the virus can’t survive for that long on surfaces, it’s easily transmitted through tiny droplets, whether that be through sneezing, breathing or coughing.
Usually, a measles rash will start off behind the ears, eventually spreading to the face neck, arms and legs.
The main features of the measles are fever, cough, red and painful eyes, and a rash, however, complications can lead to pneumonia and death.
It is most common in children but can affect people of any age.
Vaccinating against measles has been shown to reduce the number of cases as well as countless deaths.
According to the HSE, most cases involved in a national outbreak in 2016 had not been vaccinated.