THE HSE issued an urgent measles alert last night – and there are a number of key signs to watch out for.
Passengers on a train from Dublin to Sligo may have been exposed to the disease last week.
The HSE said someone suspected to have measles travelled for 15 minutes or more in carriage D on the Dublin Connolly-Sligo train that departed at 5.05pm last Friday, March 28.
And they have now issued a warning to those who travelled in that carriage for 15 minutes or more.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur in people of all ages.
It is caused by the measles virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease is known for its distinctive red, blotchy rash, which typically starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
The first symptoms of measles usually appear about 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and often include a high fever, runny nose, cough and red or watery eyes.
SEVEN MAJOR MEASLES SYMPTOMS
SOME of the symptoms of the illness include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth)
- A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads
- Body aches
Measles can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Some common complications can even be life-threatening, such as pneumonia and encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain.
The virus is extremely contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
And people who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles before are most at risk of contracting the disease.
Health bosses are now urging passengers who have these symptoms and are concerned it may be measles to contact their GP.
The HSE said: “If you travelled on this train for 15 minutes or more, 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 and a rash which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.
‘PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE’
“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.
The HSE has said the MMR vaccine is a “safe and effective” jab that protects against measles, mumps and rubella – German measles.
They advise those who are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR to contact their GP as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether they require vaccination.
The Health Service Executive advises that two doses of the MMR provide the best protection.
In Ireland, the MMR jab is part of the childhood vaccination schedule where babies get one dose at the GP when they are 12-months-old and a second at school when they are aged four to five.
Anyone who has not had two doses of the jab can still get it – however, if you were born in Ireland before 1978, it is unlikely you need the jab.
There was a rise in the number of confirmed measles cases in 2024 with 208 cases reported.
