Measles & MMR Vaccination

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has briefed Cabinet that a significant increase of measles cases notified in Europe this winter, coupled with falling rates of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine uptake in Ireland, has raised concerns about wide transmission of the disease in Ireland in 2024.

Mr Donnelly has told colleagues that, following the rapid risk assessment carried out by the HSE “the probability of the introduction and transmission of measles in Ireland is high”.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after you get infected. You will then get a measles rash a few days later.

The illness usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

Get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to avoid catching measles. Do not get the vaccine if you are pregnant. Avoid trying to get pregnant for 1 month after the vaccine.

When you have had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus. It's highly unlikely you'll get measles again.

Check if it’s measles:

The first symptoms of measles are:

• cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough

• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light

• a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above (fever), which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius

• small greyish-white spots in your mouth

• loss of appetite

• tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy

For information about measles and geting the vaccination see this HSE website.