Parents have been urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles following an outbreak of the disease.

West Cork has witnessed 25 cases of the condition in the last four weeks, with all those affected aged between 12 and 18.

Dr Fiona Ryan, specialist in public health medicine at the Health Service Executive South, warned: "Measles can be a serious and potentially fatal illness and children who have not been vaccinated are particularly at risk of measles during this time."

Parents have been advised to check if their offspring received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine as a young child and if not have them visit their local GP.

Siblings of children with measles, who have not been vaccinated, were advised to stay out of school or childcare during the 14 to 21-day incubation period to ensure they do not transmit infection to other youngsters.

The MMR vaccine contains weakened versions of the three live viruses, which triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that fight the conditions.

Written by Donal Walsh

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