Health

HSE issues ‘urgent alert’ for measles after case in Dublin indoor-play centre

Case is one of several that have emerged in recent weeks in Dublin and the northeast

Measles

The HSE has issued an ‘urgent alert’ for measles after a case in a Dublin indoor-play centre. Illustration: Paul Scott

Tim O'Brien
Wed Apr 17 2024 - 12:19

The HSE has issued an urgent public health alert warning families they may have been exposed to a case of measles in an indoor children’s play centre near Castleknock in Dublin.

A person with a confirmed case of measles attended Ship Shape Kids Play, at Junction 6 Castleknock, on the afternoon of April 4th, the HSE said.

Anyone who was at the centre on that afternoon is advised to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, and check for them for 21 days from the date of possible exposure.

The confirmed case is one of a number of measles cases that have been notified to the public health authorities in Dublin and the northeast in recent weeks, giving rise to a heightened risk of community spread of the illness.

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Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under the age of one, pregnant women and the immunosuppressed. The HSE said anyone in these groups should seek advice from their doctor.

The HSE said “in view of these cases occurring in this short period of time, there is a risk of ongoing community spread”.

The warning of the risk of catching measles follows a similar warning issued earlier this month in relation to anyone who may have travelled on some Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead services in north Dublin.

That warning applied to those who were travelling on Go Ahead bus route 238 (Dublin 15) on Tuesday March 26th from 2pm to 4pm, or on Dublin Bus route 38A from Blanchardstown to O’Connell St on March 26th in the early evening from 4.30pm to 7pm.

The symptoms of measles infection include:

  • Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
  • Sore red eyes
  • A temperature of 38 degrees or above
  • A rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body

The HSE said anyone with these symptoms should seek medical advice and phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting so necessary arrangements can be made.

It advised the best way people can protect themselves against measles is by MMR vaccination. This can be arranged free of charge with GPs or in the HSE vaccination clinics for children over the age of five.

Adults requiring vaccination will find the times and locations of clinics at MMR vaccine Catch-up Programme – HSE.ie

Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at four to five years of age.

Those who are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR should contact their doctor as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether they require vaccination, the HSE said.

Further information about measles is available online. The HSE has also set up a freephone for information on measles on 1800 700700

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien is an Irish Times journalist

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