Spot of trouble Parents urged to get kids vaccinated
PARENTS have been urged to have their children vaccinated after an outbreak of measles.
The HSE confirmed it is aware of 12 cases in Limerick since the start of last month.
A spokesman said official immunisation statistics for the first dose of MMR (recommended at 12 months of age) “show that uptake in the city and county has been consistently just below the 95% target”.
“The best protection against measles is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR [measles-mumps-rubella] vaccine.
“All children should get MMR at 12 months of age and the second dose at four to five years.
“If your child missed their MMR vaccine you should contact your GP.”
But officials warned there is likely to be further undiagnosed infections in the area and a number of suspect cases are being investigated.
A thirteenth reportedly involved a child who contracted the disease in a Limerick hospital before being admitted to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin, this month.
It’s believed the initial case was contracted by a patient who visited the Middle East over the Christmas period.
In a statement the HSE said: “There are now 12 infections confirmed in Limerick this year and a linked case confirmed in Dublin.
“Most cases are associated with the Ballinacurra Weston and Carew Park (Southill) area of the city.
“One has no obvious links with any other infection so it is likely there are further undiagnosed cases.”
The HSE advised parents in Limerick city and county, Clare, and North Tipperary “should ensure their child is fully vaccinated for MMR and bring their child for vaccination if they have missed or not already had the correct number of doses for their age”.
A free MMR clinic on will operate from noon to 3pm, at Barrack View Primary Care Centre, Edward Street, Limerick, on February 21.
LIMERICK YESTERDAY
Parents must ensure their child is fully vaccinated for MMR
HSE SPOKESMAN