BREAKING: HSE believes people may have been exposed to Measles on bus and restaurant in Midlands
Potential contacts being traced for Measles in Midlands
The HSE has said that members of the public may have been exposed to Measles while travelling on a bus from Dublin to Mullingar or in a restaurant in Mullingar.
A man died in Mullingar Hospital after contracting measles following a trip to the UK.
His death has prompted a significant tracing exercise to find people he may have come into contact with, including bus passengers.
Three of the suspected nine cases of measles reported last week are in the midlands, with others in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and north Tipperary.
In an Urgent Public Health Alert issued today, the HSE said it believes members of the public may have been exposed to measles while:
- travelling on Bus Eireann Route 115 (Dublin – Mullingar/Mullingar-Dublin) between Tuesday 30th of January and Monday 5th of February
- in a restaurant in Mullingar Business Park on Monday 29th January, between 2pm - 4.30pm.
A statement added:
Key messages
- Be alert for symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure
- Make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines
Action needed:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed. If you are in one of these groups, please seek advice from your GP.
If you travelled on the bus route or attended a restaurant in Mullingar Business Park during the dates and times above, it is especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which 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
If you have these symptoms, please seek medical advice. Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.
- Ensure you are vaccinated.
If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, please contact your GP as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination. If you were born in Ireland before 1978 or had measles illness, you are unlikely to require vaccination, as you are probably immune.
The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination. This can be arranged with your GP.
"Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at 4-5 years of age.
"There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger.
"Further information about measles is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/
"This alert relates to the specific dates outlined above. We are not asking people to avoid the bus route or any restaurant."