HSE thanks the Tipperary public for cooperating with the measles public health warning

The HSE has thanked the public for cooperating with their public health alert that was issued last Wednesday concerning a confirmed case of measles who travelled on the JJ Kavanagh bus number 717 from Dublin Airport to Clonmel.

“On foot of the alert issued, our department managed some enquiries so our thanks to everyone who has been vaccinated and responded so positively. There have been 86 cases of measles in Ireland so far this year, with some community transmission. As Ireland was declared eliminated of measles by WHO in 2017 this is a concern. Measles can cause severe illness, is very transmissible (to the unvaccinated), there is no treatment but can be prevented with the MMR vaccine,” said Dr Sarah Doyle, consultant in Public Mealth Medicine at the Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and South East.

 Dr. Doyle went on to say “MMR is a very effective vaccine, so we continue to encourage all parents and guardians to bring children for their vaccine (with the GP at 12 months and then in Junior Infants). Anyone who hasn’t had two MMRs should make sure they are protected with two, to protect themselves, and to protect others who may be vulnerable to severe illness such as pregnant women, infants under the age of 1 and people with weak immune systems.”

On Wednesday  of last week the Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and South East said it had  been notified of a confirmed case of measles who travelled on JJ Kavanagh bus number 717 from Dublin Airport to Clonmel departing at 4pm on Saturday the 17th of August 2024.

The following appeal and advice was issued last week -

“For any passenger on this bus journey who is a pregnant woman, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12-months-old please immediately contact your GP or hospital clinician for advice. This is because immediate treatment may be beneficial.

For all passengers on this bus journey: Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for the next 2-3 weeks.

Signs and symptoms of measles 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, stay at home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice. Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, and were exposed to measles, so they can make necessary arrangements. Anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms but should seek medical advice. Those who have previously had two MMR vaccinations or measles in the past are well protected against measles infection.

The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is with two MMR vaccinations. This can be arranged with your GP.”