Measles cases rise in Ireland and over 30,000 Measles cases in Europe in 2011

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that is spread by close
contact with an infected person and causes fever, cough and rash. It can also
cause ear infections, pneumonia and even death.

Vaccination with MMR vaccine is the only way to protect against measles. In
Ireland the first MMR dose is given by GP / Practice Nurse at 12 months of
age, and the second dose at 4-5 years of age is also given by the GP/ Practice
Nurse. In Ireland 278 cases of measles have been reported since January 2011-
many of these occurred during an outbreak in Dublin, primarily in North Dublin
City.

In 2011 measles cases were reported in many European countries with more than
30,000 cases and eight deaths in 29 European countries. Many cases of measles
resulted from infected people travelling between countries.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) publish reports
on the numbers of measles cases and maps showing where they have occurred.

These are available at http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/measles/Pages/index.aspx

If your child has not received the MMR vaccination at 12 months of age and a booster vaccination at 4-5 years of age :
Please contact Athboy Family Practice asap and arrange an appointment with the Practice Nurse to ensure that they are protected against Measles.

If you have any queries about your childs vaccination requirements do not hesitate to contact one of our Practice Nurses for advice.

The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.