Measles: Symptoms to look out for and how it can be treated

A case was confirmed in Limerick this morning.

The HSE has issued a warning to parents to be vigilant about symptoms of measles appearing after over 100 cases were confirmed in the UK. It's now being reported that a case has been confirmed in Limerick with the HSE also warning those who attended the Shannon Doc facility in Dooradoyle and an area in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick of the risk of infection. In a statement released today, the HSE said:

"A case of measles has been confirmed in Limerick. "As a precaution, the HSE is writing to all patients identified as being at risk of exposure advising them that they may be at risk of infection. There was a risk of exposure having occurred at the following times and places: - Thursday, 4th January, 20.40 to 23.50 in Shannondoc, Dooradoyle - Sunday, 7th January, 13.30 to 16.00 in Shannondoc, Dooradoyle - Sunday, 7th January, 14.00 to 00.30 in Zone A, ED, UHL - Tuesday, 9th January 11.00 to 13.00 in Zone A, ED, UHL "Anyone who has been exposed and is not immune to measles (either through natural infection or MMR vaccination) may develop measles up to three weeks following date of exposure."

But what symptoms should you be looking out for? The HSE is telling the public that signs of the disease might not appear for up to three weeks after exposure, and with the disease most common in children between the ages of one and four years old, parents are being urged to be aware of the following.

• 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

These symptoms can last up to 14 days. The most well-known of the symptoms would be the rash that appears two to four days after the initial symptoms start. It can last for a week with spots usually appearing behind the ears, around the neck and head, then spreading to the legs and rest of the body. The spots will appear small at first but will get bigger and join together. While there is no specific treatment for measles, and your body should fight off the virus itself, there are things you can do to ease the discomfort.

• use liquid baby paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fear, aches and pains
• close curtains or dim lights to help reduce light sensitivity
• placing a bowl of water in the room will make the atmosphere more humid

The HSE advises that due to its infectious nature if you are going to go to the GP, you should contact them beforehand to avoid contact with other patients.