18 of the 20 diagnosed in Limerick’s measles outbreak were unvaccinated

Nine of those cases were children under the age of five.

It was confirmed today that there have been 20 diagnosed cases of measles in Limerick City following an outbreak in the area, however, only two of those people were vaccinated against the disease. Nine of the cases were involving children under the age of five years old, none of whom were vaccinated. One of the 20 confirmed cases was tracked in Dublin but was linked to the Limerick outbreak. The outbreak began back in January and is said to have stemmed from one patient who was travelling in the Middle East previously. The rise in the number of people being diagnosed with the disease has resulted in many mobile vaccination clinics being brought to the affected areas in Limerick City. Medical professionals have been warning of the increased risks due to the high number of people who are not vaccinated against the disease and are advising parents get their children vaccinated. The MMR vaccine consists of two injections with the first usually being given between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second being administered between the ages of four and five. The HSE says that if members of the public are worried about whether or not they have immunised against the measles, they should get an MMR vaccine as a third dose is not harmful. For more information on the signs and symptoms to look out for, click here.