By Evelyn Ring

THE country is on the brink of another measles epidemic, a public health specialist has warned. During the first week of January, 15 new cases of measles were reported to the National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC). In the same week last year, just one case was reported.

The significant rise has set off alarm bells in the NDSC because fears about a possible link between autism and the triple Measles, Mumps and Rubella jab have led to many parents refusing to let their children have the vaccine. Dr Joan O'Donnell, a specialist in public health medicine at the NDSC, said the reports suggested there was a real risk of a measles epidemic.

"Since the end of November, the number of cases have increased dramatically because the MMR uptake is so low," Dr O'Donnell said.

Since November, 63 new cases were reported, far more than the NDSC had expected. There were 245 cases reported during 2002, compared with 241 the previous year. However, judging by early indications, the number is set to grow significantly this year.

The national uptake of the MMR vaccine at 72% is up 2% on 2001 but is still well below the target of 95%. None of the eight health boards managed to reach that target. Measles vaccine was introduced in 1985 and continued as part of the triple MMR vaccine in 1988.

In 2000, 1,603 cases occurred in Ireland, mostly in the eastern region. Three children died, two of pneumonia complicating measles and another from a post-measles encephalitis.

Meanwhile, amid a series of conflicting reports on the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, a major survey has found that parents' ignorance about the consequences of not giving their children the MMR jab could put unborn children at risk from rubella.

The deaf-blind charity Sense in Britain said people were not sufficiently aware of the dangers of rubella, or German measles, to pregnant women. Sense has warned at children not protected against rubella were at greater risk of catching and passing it on to pregnant women who do not have immunity. If a woman catches rubella during the early stages of pregnancy her child could be born with congenital rubella syndrome which can cause deafness, blindness and damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.

However, a MORI poll commissioned by Sense revealed 27% of adults questioned could not name any of the effects of rubella on an unborn child.

The figure was particularly high among people aged 15-34 with 39% unaware of the dangers.