A measles warning has been issued by the HSE following the outbreak of measles in various parts of the country.

Nineteen cases have been reported do far, with 13 confirmed cases and six probable.

All cases have occurred in individuals aged under 30 years of age with most cases occurring in 15-19 year-olds.

It is thought the source of the infection came from another European country where measles outbreaks are occurring.

Consultant in Public Health Dr Kevin Kelleher said the HSE are “looking to raise public awareness around the signs and symptoms of the condition and ensure anyone with concerns addresses them immediately in order to receive a rapid diagnosis.

Dr Kelleher stressed that “measles is highly infectious, and if cases are isolated early, the risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals decreases. The time between exposure to the virus and developing measles rash is normally 14 days (range 7-21 days). People are infectious from 4 days before rash starts until 4 days after.”

Those most at risk are those who are not fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR and babies younger than 12 months.

These are the following areas where people with confirmed measles have visited while infectious.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red rash.

Anyone who develops these symptoms should stay at home and phone their GP. Tell the doctor or nurse that they think they might have measles and stop visitors coming to the house to prevent spreading the infection.