Climb In Dublin Midlands Measles Cases

Friday, 24 May 2024 06:32

The region now has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country.

The Dublin Midlands Region has the highest number of confirmed measles cases in the country.

The latest report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has found the number of cases in the region has climbed by three, bringing the total to ten.

There's been an additional seven confirmed cases in the region since a Public Health Alert warned those who attended Regional Hospital Portlaoise on a number of days last month, they may have come into contact with the virus.

There are 30 confirmed cases of measles in Ireland, with a further 20 under investigation, and five outbreaks, all of which are in private houses.

The Public Health Alert affects those attended the ED on Friday, April 26th between 1pm and 6pm, and between Sunday, April 28th, at 2.40pm and 6pm on Monday, April 29th.

The HSE has the following advice for those who may have been impacted:

1. Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure. These include:

· Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough

· Sore red eyes

· A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above

Followed by:

· Rash, which usually appears on the head and neck first and spreads to the rest of the body

If you develop these symptoms, please isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice.

Phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements to prevent potential further spread to others.

2. MMR Vaccine

If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, please contact your GP during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination. If you were born in Ireland before 1978 or had measles, you are unlikely to require vaccination, as you are probably immune.

The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination. Please make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines. This can be arranged with your GP.

Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at 4-5 years of age.

For those who may have missed their vaccination when younger, there is a free catch-up MMR option available from participating GPs.