Five cases of the measles have just been confirmed in Dublin

Five cases of the measles have been confirmed in north Dublin.

Parents are now being urged to be wary of their children as the disease has spread since February. According to the HSE, it is affecting both adults and children.

"The Health Service Executive has confirmed an outbreak of measles in north Dublin and is advising that people who think they have measles to stay at home and to contact their General Practitioner (GP) for advice. "This is a community outbreak of measles affecting adults and children. There have been five cases since the start of February. "People at increased risk are those who have not been vaccinated with MMR vaccine or have not had measles in the past.  There is a risk of developing measles for up to 21 days after contact with a case of measles."

Dr. Ruth McDermott, Public Health Specialist said: "Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious.  The best protection is to be vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine”. The HSE has also warned that anyone who has the disease, "should not attend settings such as crèche, school, work or religious gatherings until they have recovered from illness." For more information on the outbreak, visit here.