Warning issued after measles outbreak in popular Irish holiday destination

Irish families heading to Spain this summer should take extra care following a measles outbreak

Eight cases of measles have been recorded in recent weeks, according to local officials. Four cases alone were identified last Thursday, including three adults and a baby.

The first case was confirmed in the Spanish region on May 5th.

The HSE describes the disease as "a viral infection that spreads very easily". Measles is known as one of the most highly contagious diseases in the world, and is spread through coughs and sneezes. The contagion rate is nearly 100%.

Symptoms of the disease typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, starting with cold-like signs followed by a distinctive rash. The cold symptoms can include aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough.

Other symptoms can include sore and red eyes, a loss of appetite, or a general lack of energy.

Usually, it takes up to two weeks to diagnose measles after the initial symptoms develop. This has now been reduced to just four days after the first symptoms appear.

The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) called measles "a serious disease that can lead to complications and even death".

Local Spanish authorities have managed to control the outbreak by tracing the infection chain. The HSE recommends that Irish citizens get the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) to avoid contracting the disease.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in Ireland.