Huge warning for thousands of Irish holidaying in Spain after ‘highly contagious’ illness outbreak at popular sun spot

IRISH holidaymakers have been warned to be vigilant after a Measles outbreak on the Costa del Sol.
A large number of cases have been reported in the popular sun spot over the past few weeks.
Measles is a highly contagious illness most commonly recognised by red spots or a rash.
The disease spreads to those in close contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing.
The authorities believe the outbreak on the Costa del Sol originated from Morocco.
It is believed the resorts of Fuengirola and Mijas are the worst affected places so far.
Thousands of Irish families are currently holidaying in southern Spain over the two week Easter break.
And the Spanish have urged parents to keep a close eye on their children.
Early detection of Measles and isolation is crucial in stopping it spreading.
The symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure and often resembles a cold.
Parents have been warned to look out for high fever in their kids, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, red or watery eyes.
If you or one of your kids get it and you are abroad contact the local hospital and your insurance company at home.
FIRST SYMPTOMS
The first symptoms of measles are:
Cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a coughCore, red eyes that may be sensitive to lightA temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above (fever)Small grey-white spots in your mouthLoss of appetiteTiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy
A red measles rash doesn't appear until around two to four days after the first symptoms.
It usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The rash can be flat or slightly raised and join together into large blotchy patches.
The HSE said it looks brown or red on white skin but may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
Anyone who has the measles is urged not to go to work, school or childcare until at least four days after they first got the rash.
Those who contracted the illness should also avoid contact with young children, pregnant women and people who have a weak immune system.