Portlaoise hospital working with Department of Public Health following number of measles cases

The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is working with the Department of Public Health following a number of measles cases linked to the hospital. 

A number of infection prevention and control actions are being taken at the hospital in light of the confirmation of cases.

Responding to a query from Leinster Express/Laois Live about a possible outbreak of measles at the hospital a spokesperson said: "The Hospital is working with the Department of Public Health following notification of a small number of measles cases linked to the Hospital. The following notification and guidance has issued from the Department of Public Health. All necessary public health and infection prevention and control actions are being taken at the Hospital."

The HSE previously issued an alert to members of the public that they may have come into contact with measles while attending the Emergency Department between 13:00 and 18:00 on Friday 26th April 2024 or between 14:40 on Sunday 28th April 2024 and 18:00 on Monday 29th April 2024.

The following advice was issued:

Be alert for symptoms of measles for 21 days from date of contact.If you were born in Ireland before 1978, or had measles illness, or received two MMR vaccines, you are probably immune.Make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccine.The Department of Public Health team is working with the hospital and all necessary public health actions are being taken.

We are advising:

1.    Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure. These include:

·         Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough

·         Sore red eyes

·         A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above

Followed by:

·         Rash, which usually appears on the head and neck first and spreads to the rest of the body

If you develop these symptoms, please isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice.

Phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements to prevent potential further spread to others.

2.    MMR Vaccine

If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, please contact your GP during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination. If you were born in Ireland before 1978 or had measles, 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. Please make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines. 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.

For those who may have missed their vaccination when younger, there is a free catch-up MMR option available from participating GPs.

Further information about measles is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/