The public has been urged to be vigilant after two new cases of measles were diagnosed in Dublin.
The two people, an adult and a child, had recently returned from mainland Europe where they’re believe to have contracted the disease.
The Health Service Executive has said that there is a risk of infection to anyone who was in the same healthcare setting as these two people at certain times over the past number of weeks.
The dates and locations in question are:
- Tallaght University Hospital Adult Emergency Department on July 1 between 11.30am and 1.30pm.A second visit was paid to the same unit on July 5 between 12am and 8am.
- Mater Hospital, July 7 between 11am and 8pm.
- Temple St Hospital, July 13 between 3pm and 8pm.A second visit was paid on July 15 between 5pm and 1am.
- Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin, July 16 between 12pm and 2.30pm
Anyone who may have come into contact with the measles is asked not to contact the hospital but to stay at home and get in touch with their GP if they start to become unwell.
Symptoms of the disease may not appear for up to three weeks after exposure.
Here’s what to look out for:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing
- red eyes and sensitivity to light
- a mild to severe temperature, which may peak at over 40.6°C for several days, then fall but go up again when the rash appears
- tiny greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat
- tiredness, irritability and general lack of energy
- aches and pains
- poor appetite
- a dry cough
- red-brown spotty rash
The best way to avoid contracting the disease is to get the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
Read our guide on dealing with measles in young children here.
