Fourth case of measles reported in Ireland

A fourth case of measles has been reported in Ireland. 

The details were confirmed in the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre's latest infection disease report. 

It comes just days after the Executive appealed for certain passengers on an Etihad Airways flight to Dublin last weekend to get in touch due to a confirmed case of measles travelling on the flight.

The Etihad Airways flight EY45 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, arrived on Saturday, March 9, at 6.30am. 

HSE Public Health said they were particularly concerned about any passenger who is pregnant, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12 months old.

A HSE spokesperson explained that immediate treatment may be beneficial for anyone in the above groups, adding that all passengers on the flight should “be aware of signs and symptoms of measles until Saturday, March 30, 2024” — 21 days from the time of possible exposure.

Signs and symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of measles include: cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38C or above; and a rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

“If you have these symptoms and if illness develops, stay home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice,” the HSE said.

“Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.”

The HSE added that anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms, but should seek medical advice, and reiterated that the best way to stay protected against measles is by two MMR vaccinations, which can be arranged with a GP.

Dr Peter Barrett, a Cork public health specialist previously told The Echo: “It’s a really contagious disease, so there is the potential to spread it to a large number of contacts; on average, one case can spread infection to between 12 and 15 unvaccinated individuals.”

Vaccination 

The HSE said it is finalising plans for the broader rollout of a proactive MMR vaccine catch-up programme in response to a rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe. 

The HSE already offers MMR vaccine to protect against measles to all children as part of its childhood immunisation schedule for those aged 12 months and 4-5 years old in Junior Infants.

There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger. 

People are advised if they or their children have missed an MMR vaccine they can discuss making an appointment with their GP. 

As part of the broader programme appointments will also be available through HSE clinics.

The programme will prioritise the following as uptake rates are currently lower in these groups and the HSE's aim to commence following the St Patrick’s Bank holiday weekend.

• Children and young adults 
• Healthcare workers 
• Underserved groups such as refugees, applicants seeking protection and the homeless community.

Current public health advice indicates that people born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have been exposed to measles as children and, therefore, unlikely to require MMR vaccine.