16 Sep 2024 | 12:24 PM UTC
Ireland: Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in September
Elevated measles activity reported in multiple areas in Ireland in September. Obtain vaccination; use basic health precautions.
Health officials have reported elevated measles activity in multiple areas in Ireland, with a total of 115 confirmed cases reported Jan. 1-Sept. 13. This is compared to the four cases reported in 2023. All six health regions have reported disease activity. HSE Dublin and North East is the most affected health region, reporting the highest number of cases (42 cases), followed by HSE Dublin and Midlands (30 cases), HSE South West (14 cases), HSE West and North-West (14 cases), HSE Mid West (10 cases), and HSE Dublin and South East (5 cases). Health authorities launched an MMR vaccine catch-up program in response to rising cases in the UK and Europe. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 16.
Visit a doctor to ensure vaccination against measles or immunity through previous infection. Practice basic health precautions. Call your medical provider if symptoms develop within three weeks of being in affected areas.
The WHO and UNICEF estimated that measles vaccination coverage in Ireland was 89 percent in 2023, below the WHO-recommended guideline of 95 percent to prevent wider public transmission. Health officials reported 64 cases in 2019, five cases in 2020, no cases in 2021, two cases in 2022, and four cases in 2023.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Infected individuals can also expose people around them by contaminating surfaces with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Serious complications - including pneumonia - can occur, especially in children younger than five years old, adults older than 20 years old, and individuals with a weakened immune system.
