The HSE has issued a warning following an outbreak of measles in different parts of Ireland

The Public Health Departments of the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) are currently investigating an ongoing outbreak of measles in different parts of Ireland.

According to a statement, outbreak control teams have been convened in HSE East, South and Midwest. 19 cases of measles linked to the outbreak have been identified of which 13 are confirmed as measles, while six are still just deemed probable. The source of infection is most likely another European country where outbreaks are occurring. Most of the cases in Ireland had not been aware that they were in contact with measles, and the majority has not received the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination. Dr. Kevin Kelleher is a Consultant in Public Health and said:

“Measles is highly infectious, and if cases are isolated early, the risk of transmission to vulnerable individuals decreases. The time between exposure to the virus and developing measles rash is normally 14 days (range 7-21 days). People are infectious from 4 days before rash starts until 4 days after.”

The following are the areas where individuals with confirmed cases of measles have been detected: When Dublin last week in April Dingle, Kerry May Bank Holiday weekend Tralee, Kerry (University Hospital Kerry and community) mid April - May West Limerick (University Hospital Limerick) and community) early to mid May Dublin Airport 16th May Dublin (pm evening ) Ryanair Flight FR 7313 Zadar-Dublin 16th May 16:30-18:35 Dublin Coach Dublin (Airport) – Tralee route