Urgent public health alert from the HSE

The Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and North East are advising members of the public about the risk of measles infection to non-immune individuals in the Dublin and North East region.

Since the beginning of March a number of confirmed measles cases have been notified to Public Health HSE Dublin and North East.

In view of these cases occurring in this short period of time there is a risk of on-going community spread.

Following a recent notification of a confirmed measles case in the Dublin 15 area we wish to advise that members of the public may have been exposed to measles while:

•       Attending Ship Shape Kids Play Junction 6 Castleknock on the afternoon of 4^th April 2024

Action needed:

1.     Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days (i.e. 25^th April 2024) 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 or your child was at Ship Shape Kids Play on that afternoon, 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.

2.     Ensure you are vaccinated.

If you/your child 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 free of charge with your GP (focus on children) or in the HSE vaccination clinics for children (over the age of 5 years) and adults for whom vaccination is indicated– the times and locations are listed on the following web link:  MMR vaccine Catch-up Programme – HSE.ie

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.

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

Contact HSE live for further information on measles (Freephone 1800 700 700)