The HSE have issued further health warnings across Ireland after confirming more reports of the potentially serious measles disease.
The HSE have confirmed that there are now 17 confirmed cases of measles – 12 in Dublin and 5 in Meath.
Both children and adults have been affected by the disease, which is highly contagious and is spread easily.
The HSE have warned the public to be aware of the possible risk of spread of measles whenever groups of people gather and particularly when attending healthcare services such as GPs or Emergency Departments.
Dr. Deirdre Mulholland, Director of Public Health for HSE East, said “measles can be a serious illness and is highly contagious. The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine.”
An Outbreak Control Team is investigating the cases and issuing information on vaccination measures.
The HSE say those most at risk of catching measles are children and adults who are not fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine. Pregnant women who have been exposed to measles are told to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The time between exposure to measles and developing the rash is usually 14 days (range 7-21 days). People are infectious from four days before rash starts until four days after.
Measles symptoms include:-
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Red rash that starts on head and spread down the body – this normally starts a few days after onset of illness. The rash consists of flat red or brown blotches, which can flow into each other. It lasts about 4-7 days.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea and tummy pain may also happen.
For more information, Read the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s measles factsheet.
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