Ireland is currently grappling with its first confirmed measles case of the year, which tragically resulted in the death of an adult. This incident serves as a grave reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), there were only four reported cases of measles in Ireland in 2023, none in 2021, and five in 2020. However, the recent decline in vaccination rates has raised concerns among public health officials, who warn of the potential for a measles outbreak within the country.
The deceased adult contracted measles in the Dublin and Midlands health region, which covers the Leinster province. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Measles National Incident Management Team (IMT) are now taking swift action to prevent further transmission of the disease.
Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth, has expressed her deep concern about the situation. She emphasizes the “high risk” of an imminent measles outbreak and urges the public to ensure they receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Vaccination rates have fallen below 90% nationally and dropped below 80% in certain Irish counties.
The MMR vaccine is vital in preventing the spread of measles. It is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given around the age of one and the second dose when a child reaches three years and four months old. To achieve herd immunity and effectively halt the disease’s transmission, approximately 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads through coughing and sneezing. While it typically begins with a high fever and a rash that clears up within ten days, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures.
This recent incident in Ireland is not an isolated case. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a staggering 45-fold increase in measles cases across Europe in 2023 compared to the previous year. In 2023, approximately 42,200 individuals were infected, whereas only 941 cases were recorded in 2022.
The WHO attributes the rise in measles cases to the decline in childhood vaccinations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates for the first dose of the MMR vaccine dropped from 96% in 2019 to 93% in 2022 across Europe, and the uptake of the second dose decreased from 92% to 91% during the same period. As a result, more than 1.8 million children in Europe missed out on receiving the measles vaccine during those two years.
Health authorities stress the urgent need for comprehensive vaccination campaigns to protect children from this potentially dangerous disease. Dr. Hans Kluge, the regional director at the WHO, has strongly emphasized that vaccination is the sole effective measure in preventing measles.
The situation in Ireland serves as a stark reminder to other countries, including England, where suspected cases of measles have also been on the rise. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expressed concern over an ongoing measles outbreak in the West Midlands region.
To safeguard public health and prevent the resurgence of highly contagious diseases such as measles, it is essential for governments, health organizations, and the public to prioritize vaccination programs. Maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent the spread of diseases within communities. Failure to do so can lead to devastating consequences, including avoidable fatalities.
