Low take-up of measles vaccine in Limerick sparks 'outbreak' concerns
LIMERICK is at risk of measles outbreak due to the low take-up of the vaccine locall, public health officials have warned.
It comes as it is revealed the takeup rate for the jab in the city and county is the lowest outside of Dublin, at 82.6%.
Public Health Mid-West says there must be 95% coverage of the vaccination to achieve herd immunity and prevent an outbreak. The only areas to see a lower take-up rate are two parts of Dublin.
All of this comes after it emerged the first confirmed case of measles in two years in the region was detected in an individual who had travelled from East Africa, where it has spread rapidly.
Dr Breda Cosgrove, a consultant in public health medicine at Public Health Mid-West said: “This is the first case of measles reported in Ireland in more than two years, and it's a reminder of the threat posed by this highly contagious virus. In Limerick and across the Mid-West, we are not reaching 95% vaccination coverage that's needed to achieve community immunity and protection from this disease. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine will protect your child against measles so it's really important to keep up-to-date with your child's vaccines. If you are delayed with your child's vaccines, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.”
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can result in serious complications in young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
However, it’s almost entirely preventable through vaccination.
Public Health Mid-West has said it’s concerned about the uptake of the jab, which has fallen since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Measles usually starts with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. It is followed a few days later by a red rash that starts on the head and spreads downwards over the face, neck and body.
In extreme cases, it can result in chest infections, fits, ear infections, swelling of the brain and brain damage.