There has been an outbreak of measles in Co Donegal, with at least seven cases confirmed so far.
Other potential cases of the disease are currently being investigated by the HSE.
It comes after parents at schools in the county were warned about the disease in a letter earlier this month.
The outbreak of the highly-infectious disease is believed to be linked to a third level college in Galway, reports the Irish Sun.
Parents are advised to keep kids who have been exposed to the virus at home for the time being to prevent it spreading.
The best way to protect against the disease, according to the HSE, is with an MMR vaccine.
All children should get their first MMR shot at 12 months and their second one at four or five years of age, usually through their primary school.
Symptoms may not appear immediately – there is a risk of measles for up to 21 days after exposure to a case.
Here’s what to look out for:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing
- red eyes and sensitivity to light
- a mild to severe temperature, which may peak at over 40.6°C for several days, then fall but go up again when the rash appears
- tiny greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat
- tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy
- aches and pains
- poor appetite
- a dry cough
- red-brown spotty rash
