Measles outbreak confirmed in Westmeath

An outbreak of measles in the Westmeath area has been confirmed by the Department of Public Health HSE Midlands.

Four cases have been identified in the county, and full investigative and outbreak control measures have been put in place, according to a statement today from the HSE.

Local GPs and hospital emergency departments have been informed of the situation.

According to the HSE, measles can cause serious illness and complications.

“Measles is a potentially serious disease which can spread very easily. The symptoms of measles are an initial illness that includes a high temperature (usually over 38°C), conjunctivitis (red eyes), cough and runny nose – followed by (on about day 4) a brown or red blotchy rash – starting on the head and neck and spreading to the rest of the body.

“After coming into contact with measles, it usually takes about 14 days before the rash appears. People are infectious from 4 days before until 4 days after the onset of the rash.”

They say the key three things to know about measles are:

1. The best protection against measles is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.

2. Pregnant women who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine and who have been exposed to measles should seek medical advice by phoning their GP or maternity hospital.

3. If you have any symptoms of measles you should stay at home and not go to crèche, school, college or work. Avoid all visitors. Phone your GP and explain that you may have measles. If you need to see your GP or any other health service call them first before attending – if you don’t you might put other patients at risk.

Most people with measles will recover after 7-10 days. However, for some people measles can cause serious illness including ear infections, lung infections, fits and brain damage. Complications are more likely for babies under 12 months, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Measles during pregnancy can cause your baby to be born too small or too soon, or cause miscarriage or stillbirth. The advice from the HSE is to talk to your GP or maternity hospital as soon as possible if you're pregnant and you think you have come into contact with measles. They can tell you how to reduce your risk.

The HSE statement includes the following advice:

* All children should get MMR at 12 months of age and the second dose at 4-5 years of age.

* If your child missed any of their routine MMR vaccines you should contact your GP to get them vaccinated.

* If you are an adult born after 1978 and have not received 2 doses of MMR you should contact your GP to get the MMR vaccine.

More information about measles can be found at hspc.ie and hse.ie