The HSE has issued an alert for people who attended the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway for two days this month that they may have been exposed to measles.
Anyone who attended that emergency department at UHG between 9pm on Sunday, March 3 and 5pm on Monday, March 4 to be on the lookout for symptoms of measles.
If you were born in Ireland before 1978, or had measles illness, or received two MMR vaccines, you are probably immune.
If you are not probably immune the HSE is asking you to be particularly vigilant for symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure.
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 the rest of the body
If you develop 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 to prevent potential further spread to others.
If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, please contact your GP during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination. If you were born in Ireland before 1978 or had measles illness, you are unlikely to require vaccination, as you are probably immune.
The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination. Please make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines. This can be arranged with your GP.
Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at 4-5 years of age.
There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger.
Further information about measles is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/
