The National Disease Surveillance Centre has issued an alert following a sharp increase in the number of measles cases in Dublin.
In what could be the start of a measles epidemic, more than 40 cases have been notified to the Eastern Health Board. Seventeen children have needed hospital admission, and three have required intensive care treatment in Temple Street Hospital.
The outbreak, which is so far confined to the north city area, is causing serious disquiet among public health doctors and paediatricians. Sources say it is only a matter of time before the outbreak spreads.
This outbreak mirrors a significant decrease in the uptake of measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (MMR). Average immunisation figures for the EHB are 74 per cent, well short of the figure needed to achieve population immunity. However, this average masks a much lower take-up in socially disadvantaged areas.
Parents have not been bringing their children forward for immunisation because of misplaced fears of an association between MMR vaccine and the subsequent development of Crohns Disease and allergic disorders.
These fears are not supported by the latest scientific evidence. Indeed, a paper in this week's British Medical Journal rejects previous suggestions of a beneficial link between exposure to measles and the prevention of asthma.
The National Disease Surveillance Centre is strongly advising parents to get children vaccinated. There is no charge for the vaccine or its administration.