Measles cases alert in Limerick

A WARNING has been issued following a confirmed case of measles in Limerick, particularly for people who were in two specific places last week.

Since May, Public Health HSE Mid West has been managing an outbreak of measles in the Mid West region.

The warning states that members of the public may have been exposed to measles while in KFC, Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 4.30pm to 5.20pm or in the In Omniplex Cinema, Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 during The Garfield Movie, from 5.20pm to approximately 7pm.

The HSE says that the alert does not apply to people who were not at either of these venues, but with the virus spreading countrywide, precautions should be taken.

“This follows rising numbers of measles cases in Ireland, and outbreaks across the UK and Europe in recent months. In view of these cases occurring in this short period of time there is a risk of ongoing community spread.

Sign up for the weekly Limerick Post newsletter

Anyone who was at those venues should “be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure (up to and including 19 June 2024).

“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 attended these two sites during these times, 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

Anyone who has had these symptoms, should seek medical advice. “Please 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 statement said.

Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, should contact their GP as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether they require vaccination.

Anyone born in Ireland before 1978 or anyone who has had measles illness in the past, is unlikely to require vaccination, as they are probably immune.

The HSE Say that 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 or in the HSE vaccination clinics for eligible children (over the age of 5 years) and adults for whom vaccination is indicated – the times and locations are listed on the HSE website.

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)

Advertisement