In a follow-up to a report last week, Ireland health officials reported two additional confirmed measles cases in the Dublin and Meath areas, bringing the total to seven.
The Measles Outbreak Control Team continues to investigate and advise on measures to control the further spread of this potentially serious illness. Alerts regarding measles have been sent to all Emergency Departments and General Practitioners (GPs) in the affected areas. Work is ongoing in identifying close contacts of cases who are being notified and advised by Public Health.
The best protection against measles is to be fully vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.
Unimmunised pregnant women who have been exposed to measles should seek medical advice.
If you have symptoms suggestive of measles you should stay at home, not go to school or work and phone your GP and explain that you may have measles.
People with measles are infectious from four days before the rash appears. The HSE is aware that children with measles have attended various GP surgeries in Meath and Dublin and the Emergency Departments of some Dublin Paediatric Hospitals while they were infectious. As a result of this, there is an increased risk of exposure to measles among people who attended such healthcare services from Thursday 19th October 2017, onwards. As measles is now circulating in the community, it is important that everyone be aware of the possible risk of spread whenever groups of people gather.
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People who have not been fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine or have not had measles in the past are at high risk of getting measles if exposed. Those most at risk of catching measles are children and adults who are not fully vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR vaccine such as babies aged 5- 12 months who are too young to be routinely vaccinated and children and adults with weakened immune systems
Dr John Cuddihy, Acting Assistant National Director for Health Protection said “measles can be a serious illness and is highly contagious. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR vaccine.”
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