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There has been a 244% increase in measles cases in Ireland between 2017 and 2018.<\/p>\nThere has been a 244% increase in measles cases in Ireland between 2017 and 2018.<\/p>\n
According to UNICEF Ireland, there were 86 cases here last year, up from 25 on the previous year.<\/p>\n
The charity is warning that global cases are also surging, with 98 countries reporting a rise.<\/p>\n
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power says it is a worrying trend considering there is a vaccine available.<\/p>\n
“It really is a wake-up call,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine which has saved a million lives every year for the last 20 years.<\/p>\n
“There really is no excuse now for the misinformation, the mistrust and the complacency that has crept into measles vaccination around the world.”<\/p>\n
Mr Power says vaccination is key to reducing the numbers. He says it is a worry that many people are not using it.<\/p>\n
“These alarming increases that we see in Ireland and around the world are a growing threat to children,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Every government – here in Ireland and around the world – must do everything in their power to ensure that there is correct information out there, that there is trust in the vaccinations.<\/p>\n
“Every single death by measles is preventable. We have safe vaccines to deal with every possible case.”<\/p>\n