LAST UPDATE | 22 Aug

THE HSE HAS issued an urgent alert to people who were on board a bus from Dublin Airport to Clonmel in Co Tipperary last Saturday, as well as to passengers on board an Aer Lingus flight from Naples.

The HSE has been informed of a confirmed case of measles on Aer Lingus Flight number EI451 from Naples to Dublin on Saturday, 17 August with a departure time 11.40am.

This confirmed case then travelled on a JJ Kavanagh bus number 717 from Dublin Airport to Clonmel at 4pm on 17 August.

The latest figures from the HSE show that total number of people who have tested positive for measles in Ireland this year has risen to 85.

In addition to the confirmed cases above, there are 20 cases currently under investigation for measles.

Suspected cases of measles are tested in a laboratory, before being either officially confirmed as measles or denotified. 

Affected passengers

Any passengers who travelled on the relevant flight or bus route are advised to check their measles vaccination record.

A GP or hospital clinician should also be immediately contacted for advice for any passenger who is a pregnant woman, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months.

The HSE said this is “because immediate treatment may be beneficial”.               

Passengers on this bus journey and flight are further advised to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of measles until Friday, 6 September.

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,
• Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

Anyone who had these symptoms should stay at home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice. 

They should also phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, and were exposed to measles, so they can make necessary arrangements.

The HSE said people should isolate “even if you have mild symptoms and no rash, and seek medical advice by phone”. 

This is because you can be infectious before the rash appears.

Anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms but should seek medical advice.

The HSE added that the “best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is with two MMR vaccinations”, which can be arranged with your GP.