HSE major travel alert as disease that can cause blindness spreads across Europe

HSE major travel alert as disease that can cause blindness spreads across Europe The HSE in Ireland has issued a major travel warning as measles outbreaks continue to spread across Europe and other popular tourist destinations, urging holidaymakers to check their MMR vaccine status before travelling As thousands of holidaymakers gear up to jet off for their summer breaks, health and safety experts have issued a stark travel warning amid a surge in measles outbreaks sweeping across Europe and other popular tourist destinations. Officials from the Irish Health and Safety Executive warn that the highly contagious virus is circulating in numerous countries on the continent, and are calling on anyone heading abroad to ensure they are fully vaccinated before they depart. Latest figures reveal that 961 measles cases were recorded across European Union nations between January and April this year. In the UK, more than 700 cases were reported between January and June, with London and the West Midlands among the hardest hit areas In April, the most recent full month which disease stats cover, the European Union said the highest counts were in Bulgaria, with 163 cases, Italy, with 133, and Latvia, with 38. The Irish HSE also confirmed that outbreaks are continuing in both Canada and the United States. According to the NHS, complications of measles can include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. In a statement released today, the Irish HSE said: "As measles is one of the most infectious diseases, case numbers can increase quickly when vaccination coverage falls below this protective threshold. Maintaining high uptake is essential to safeguarding population health.", reports the Irish Mirror. The health service is now urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of measles and ensure that both they and their family members are up to date with their MMR vaccinations ahead of any travel. A HSE spokesperson said: "The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles and to prevent the spread of measles is to ensure you and your family members are vaccinated against measles. The HSE also cautioned that measles can cause severe complications and is highly contagious, passing readily between individuals. It added: "Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily. "If you think someone in your family has measles or has been in contact with measles, phone your doctor for advice. Keep the child or adult at home and avoid having visitors to your home unless they know they are protected against measles (they have had two doses of MMR vaccine)."