Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 5

Written Answers. - Measles Statistics.

John Bruton

Question:

82 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the number of measles cases reported in each county in the North-Eastern Health Board area in the year 1992 and to date in 1993; and if he has satisfied himself with the progress of measles vaccination in County Meath and the other counties of the North-Eastern Health Board area.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

It is not uncommon for outbreaks of measles to occur every few years. One of the reasons for this is that over the period of a few years the number of unimmunised children rises and when there is an outbreak there is a large reservoir of unvaccinated children through which the disease can be transmitted. The reported cases in the North-Eastern Health Board below shows a very significant increase in 1993 over 1992.

Cases of Measles

Country	1992	1993(to date)
Cavan	6	28
Monaghan	2	41
Meath	7	65
Louth	8	141

I am informed by the North-Eastern Health Board that the current uptake of the vaccine in their area is 70 per cent at two years of age with some areas reaching 80 per cent. I have already stated a number of times that I consider that the uptake of MMR is unacceptably low and must be increased. I have launched a number of initiatives this year to bring this about and would hope to launch further measures next year.

I consider it vital that the common perception among parents that measles is a disease of little consequence be corrected. While the majority of children who contract measles recover quickly a small number however may suffer long term neurological damage and other consequences.