Rubella in Cork; employees in large multinational informed of case on their campus 

The first confirmed case of rubella in Ireland in more than a decade was discovered in Cork City, The Echo can reveal.

It was revealed in recent days that a person in Ireland has been diagnosed with rubella for the first time in 11 years.

As there is just one case, the HSE said it cannot reveal where the person actually presented with the illness for confidentiality reasons.

However, The Echo has seen an email sent to staff at the Apple campus in Hollyhill that confirms a case was discovered there.

The email stated: “We’ve been informed by the Health Service Executive [HSE] of a case of rubella at our Cork Hollyhill campus.

“Our employees’ health and wellbeing is our top priority, and we want to ensure all members of the local team are aware of the situation and the resources available to you.

“The possibility of contracting rubella is low, and most cases are mild.

“HSE advice for pregnant women is to check your rubella immunity status with your GP however most likely this has already been checked by your antenatal team.”

The Department of Public Health was notified in recent weeks of the confirmed case of rubella, which was contracted in another country.

Rubella is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It can cause a fever of 38C or over, and a distinctive red-pink rash. In most cases, rubella is a mild condition, but it can harm the unborn baby in pregnant women.

The HSE has remained tight-lipped as to the location of the case, saying: “As it is fewer than five cases, we cannot give any other detail, for confidentiality reasons.” 

Dr Nick Flynn, of MyCorkGP.ie and Union Quay clinic, said: “This case demonstrates the importance again of vaccination”, pointing to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

The HSE and Apple were contacted for comment.