Measles imported case reported
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been notified of a confirmed measles case in an individual recently returned from a country where measles transmission is occurring. The individual arrived in Ireland on 28th February and travelled by public transport to Waterford that evening (20:30 departure).
The HSE asks people and clinicians to be vigilant about the possibility of measles transmission that may have occurred following this importation to Ireland. Individuals who may have been at the airport or on the bus from Dublin airport to Waterford that evening, if they develop symptoms of measles should contact their GP by phone and report possible exposure to measles.
The normal time from exposure to the virus and developing measles is usually about 14 days.
The Public Health Department of the South East has alerted clinicians about this event and requested vigilance and high levels of suspicion about measles and to notify Public Health if they suspect a case.
Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious complications for young children and adults. Vaccination is the only way to prevent outbreaks occurring.
Parents of all children/teenagers and young adults are recommended to use this opportunity to ensure that their children are vaccinated with MMR. The first dose is usually given at 12 months of age and the second dose at 4-5 years of age.
Further information on measles can be found at http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/Measles/Factsheet/