HSE urges vigilance after two cases of measles reported in Dublin
By Mary Dennehy
THE HSE has urged people to be vigilant about measles after two people who were infectious visited four different hospitals earlier this month – including the adult A&E department at Tallaght University Hospital.
According to the HSE, it has been notified of two cases of measles in an adult and a child in Dublin, both of whom had been in mainland Europe.
The HSE has stated that there is a possible risk of measles to people who may have been in the same healthcare setting as these two cases during the infectious period.
The two infected people were in Tallaght University Hospital A&E on July 1 between 11.30am and 1.30pm and on July 5 between 12am and 8am.
They were also in the Mater on July 7 between 11am and 8pm; Temple Street Hospital on July 13 between 3pm and 8pm and July 15 – 16 between 5pm and 1am; and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin on July 16 between 12pm and 2.30pm.
The HSE has advised people to not contact the hospitals if they think they may have come into contact with a case of the measles but to seek advice from their GP if they become unwell.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain.
Red rash
Another symptom is a red rash that starts on the head and spreads down the body, this normally starts a few days after the onset of illness.
The rash consists of flat red or brown blotches, which can flow into each other. It lasts about four to seven days.
According to Dr Helena Murray, Specialist in Public Health Medicine: “Measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious.
“The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.”
The HSE has advised anybody who thinks they may have the measles to stay home, do not go to work, school or crèche.
Phone your GP, stop visitors coming to the house and pregnant women who have been exposed to measles should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
For further details visit www.hse.ie or contact your GP.
