The alert from the HSE is for people who travelled on JJ Kavanagh bus number 717 from Dublin Airport to Clonmel departing at 4pm last Saturday, August 17.
It said that “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”.
All passengers on the bus are urged to be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for the next two to three weeks.
These include cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above and a rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of the body.
The advice is that “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.”
Cases of measles have been on the rise across Europe this year and 85 people have been found to have the infection so far in this country.
However, although cases have increased, they have not soared as feared and a vaccination campaign was rolled out earlier this year.
There have been thirteen outbreaks of measles so far in family homes, schools, residential institutions and hospitals in Ireland with up to twelve people infected in the worst outbreak.
The highest number of cases has been seen in the 25 to 34-year-old age group with others spread mostly among younger groups including infants.
Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
People are infectious when they have symptoms – around four days before the rash appears – until four days after they get the rash.
Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.
Problems that can be caused by measles include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk.
This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women who get measles are at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
It can also lead to low birthweight.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
