The number of students affected by a measles outbreak in Galway has reached 15, the HSE has confirmed.
The cases, from counties Mayo, Kerry and Galway, are linked to an outbreak reported at the end of March among students attending higher education colleges in Galway.
The average age of cases is 20 years but those affected range in age from 14 year to 33 years.
According to the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 10 of the cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests.
Eight of the students affected had received no MMR vaccine, one cases had received one dose of the vaccine and three had received two doses.
However, only of the students who reported two doses of MMR vaccine had records to confirm this.
HSE West has warned all third-level students in Galway to ensure that they have received two doses of MMR vaccine to protect themselves, their contacts and the wider community.
One dose of MMR does not provide adequate protection against measles as it protects only about 95 per cent of individuals.
Because of the interaction between Galway students and students from other parts of the State, it has also warned all university students to make sure they have been properly vaccinated.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications for young children and adults. Vaccination is the only way to prevent outbreaks occurring.
The first MMR dose is usually given at 12 months and the second at four to five years of age.
