Health officials keeping ‘very close watch’ on measles in Ireland as cases soar in Europe
HEALTH OFFICIALS IN Ireland are keeping “very close watch” on measles as the number of cases around Europe has risen significantly.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said the uptake of the measles vaccine in Ireland is lower than the target set by the World Health Organisation, a worrying shortfall as the infectious illness spreads.
On Tuesday, the WHO issued an official warning about measles, saying that cases in Europe have risen by a staggering 4,500%.
EU member states reported 42,200 cases last year, almost 45 times the 941 cases identified in 2022.
The UK has also experienced a surge at the same time as vaccination rates have dropped, with concerns in particular for parts of London and the West Midlands.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Donnelly said: “We’re keeping a very close watch now on the situation with measles, particularly in light of the outbreaks that we’ve seen in the UK.”
The minister has received a “detailed update” from the Chief Medical Officer on measles in the context of the UK’s situation.
“I was just discussing this with the Taoiseach yesterday and I’m going to be bringing a memo to Governments probably in the next two weeks on this.”
The memo, which will be brought to a Cabinet meeting of ministers, will concern the epidemiological situation and the uptake of the MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
The current uptake of the vaccine is around 87%, short of the 95% target set by the WHO.
“We need to reach the WHO targets,” Donnelly said.
“A significant amount of work now has been kicked off between the department and the HSE in terms of reaching out to parents, letting them know how important it is and getting the rates up,” he said, adding: “We are watching it carefully.”
Additional reporting by Press Association
News Related
-
The collision involved a pedestrian and a lorry A MAN IN his 70s has died after he was struck by a lorry in Co Laois. The incident happened this evening at around 4.55pm on Chapel Lane, Mountmellick, Co. Laois. The collision involved a pedestrian and a lorry. The male pedestrian, ...
See Details:
Pedestrian in his 70s dies after being struck by a lorry in Co Laois
-
-
Restaurant critic Grace Dent has told her fellow campmates that her “heart is broken” as she left I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on medical grounds. The MasterChef star, 50, was pictured at Brisbane Airport hours after ITV announced on Monday morning that she was exiting the reality ...
See Details:
Grace Dent says her ‘heart is broken’ as she exits I’m A Celebrity early
-
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech This speed pedelec can be configured with lots of upgrades and accessories. Swiss e-bike brand Stromer has been around for quite some time now. Developing premium, high-quality e-bikes since 2009, the company remains a force to be reckoned with, ...
See Details:
Stromer’s ST3 Urban E-Bike Goes Fancy With Minimalist Design, Modern Tech
-
-
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence Jennifer Lawrence’s appearance has changed because she’s “ageing” – not because of plastic surgery. The 33-year-old actress acknowledges that her appearance has changed over recent years, but Jennifer insists she hasn’t gone under the knife. The Hollywood star – who ...
See Details:
My appearance has changed because of ageing, says Jennifer Lawrence
-
-
-
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City A number of children have escaped without injury after a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at a house on Cork city. The incident happened at a house at Hillview Drive in Onslow Gardens on the city’s ...
See Details:
Child minder’s husband handed eight year sentence for abusing two children
-
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City A number of children have escaped without injury after a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at a house on Cork city. The incident happened at a house at Hillview Drive in Onslow Gardens on the city’s ...
See Details:
Mazda CEO Says EVs 'Not Taking Off' In The U.S.—Except Teslas
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City A number of children have escaped without injury after a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at a house on Cork city. The incident happened at a house at Hillview Drive in Onslow Gardens on the city’s ...
See Details:
Leitrim locals set up checkpoint to deter asylum seekers
-
Children escape without injury after petrol bomb allegedly thrown at house in Cork City A number of children have escaped without injury after a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at a house on Cork city. The incident happened at a house at Hillview Drive in Onslow Gardens on the city’s ...
See Details:
Ask A Doctor: Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?
OTHER NEWS
Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee’s future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful The issue of policing in Dublin has been thrown into sharp focus following the horrific stabbing of ...
Read more »
The collision occurred on Monday morning. (stock image) Five people have been hospitalised following a two vehicle road traffic collision on Monday. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision, ...
Read more »
Challenge: Try to find the hidden cat in a very old building (Photo: Reproduction/Reddit) Only people with advanced observation skills can identify the hidden cat in this very old building. ...
Read more »
A man has been arrested following a seizure of cocaine with a value of €56,000 in Galway on Sunday evening. Gardaí seized the drugs during a search at a residence ...
Read more »
generic doctor image Overview A chronic and progressive movement disorder that initially causes tremor in one hand, stiffness or slowing of movement. Symptoms If you or someone you know is ...
Read more »
A man who was caught with over €1 million in cocaine in a “sophisticated” operation where the drugs were hidden in a modified compartment in his van has had his ...
Read more »
File image of Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd. FINE GAEL TD Fergus O’Dowd has announced that he will stand down at the next General Election. O’Dowd started his political career ...
Read more »