Students at NUI Galway were warned to be vigilant following confirmation last Friday that two of their students had contracted measles.
The HSE issued a public warning as news of the outbreak emerged, stating it would be working closely with the university to keep the outbreak under control.
The Student Health Unit in the university also issued a statement informing students of the symptoms of measles, and the steps to take if they believe they have contracted the virus.
In the statement, the health clinic advises students who haven’t had two vaccinations against MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) to “be vaccinated as soon as possible”.
Students who have not been vaccinated but live with someone who believes they have caught the virus are advised to stay at home for a four day period after exposure to prevent the spread of the virus.
Both the HSE and the Student Health Clinic have listed the flu-like symptoms of measles for which students should watch.
While a facial rash is the most obvious sign of infection, those with the virus also suffer from high temperatures, a runny nose, a cough and red, watery eyes.
Aoife Bennett
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