TWO CASES OF measles have been diagnosed in North Dublin City, according to the HSE.
An alert has been issued to all emergency departments and general practitioners in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
While the source of the measles outbreak has not yet been identified, an Outbreak Control Team has been convened to investigate and control the spread of this “potentially serious illness”.
Measles is highly contagious and is spread easily. The time between exposure to measles and developing the rash is usually 14 days (ranging from seven to 21 days). People are infectious from four days before a rash appears, until four days afterwards.
Measles symptoms include:
“Measles can be a serious illness and is highly contagious. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine,” Director of Public Health, Dr Deirdre Mulholland said.
People are being advised to ensure that they have been fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
Those most at risk of catching measles are those who are not fully vaccinated, such as babies younger than 12 months old who are too young to be vaccinated, and those with weakened immune systems.
2016 outbreak
Last year, 38 cases of measles were confirmed following an outbreak in north Cork and Tipperary.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland at the time of the outbreak, public health consultant Dr Kevin Kelleher said that people needed to be vigilant and if they suspect that they have been infected with measles they should stay at home.
“Unfortunately measles is quite infectious,” said Kelleher.
It does just need a bit of contact like being in the same place as someone for a brief period of time.
Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of measles should stay at home, not go to school or work and phone a GP immediately.
More information about measles can be found here.
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