Irish football fans planning to travel to this summer's Euro 2008 tournament should ensure they are vaccinated against measles following major outbreaks of the disease in Austria and Switzerland who are jointly hosting the competition.
This is the message from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) today who warned fans intending to travel that the disease is extremely contagious and potentially fatal.
Dr Suzanne Cotter, HPSC specialist in public health medicine, warned that while measles usually occur in children under four years old, anyone can catch the disease if they are not protected through natural infection or vaccination.
"Severe disease and complications are most likely in young children under five years and adults over 20 years. It is important to realise that almost half of the deaths associated with measles occur in previously healthy children and young adults," she said.
Dr Cotter said the recent measles outbreaks in Europe were a "timely reminder" of the importance of vaccination especially for children as it is the only safe and effective way to prevent the disease from spreading.
"High levels of MMR vaccination are needed to protect against infection and to protect very young children - under 12 months of age - who are too young to be vaccinated," she added.
She urged anyone travelling to the games to ensure they have been vaccinated.