HSE Confirms Adult Male Dies From Measles.

It is the first confirmed case of measles in Ireland this year which comes amid a recent rise in cases in the UK and Europe, has sadly resulted in the death, despite being hospitalized in the Dublin and Midlands health region, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed.
All confirmed measles cases notified since 2020 had reported recent travel to countries where outbreaks were confirmed. The deceased man, who is understood to be a Co. Westmeath native, is believed to have been travelling in the Birmingham region of the UK in recent times.
Our readers will be aware that we spoke of the high probability of an outbreak of measles, here in Ireland just two days ago, (February 6th). This is the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland so far this year.

Public health teams and the Measles National Incident Management Team (IMT), latter established in response to a recent spike in measles cases across the UK and Europe, are understood to be taking all necessary public health actions required in relation to a possible major outbreak of the virus.

There were four measles cases reported in 2023, two in 2022, none in 2021 and five in 2020 and no deaths were reported during any of those years.

The HSE confirms that it offers the MMR vaccine to protect against measles to all children and a catch-up option for those aged 10 and under who may have missed out on vaccination previously. Persons with concerns should now contact their GP.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Ms Breda Smyth said she is concerned that Ireland is at high risk of a measles outbreak.

Keep in mind that measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children aged under one, pregnant women and the immunosuppressed.

The signs and symptoms of the measles virus include:

• Cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough.
• Sore red eyes that may be sensitive to light.
• A temperature of 38C or above, which may reach around 40C.
• Small greyish-white spots in the mouth.
• Loss of appetite, tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy.
• A rash, which usually appears on head and neck first, before spreading to the rest of the body.

The HSE said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have reported a resurgence of measles cases in England, particularly in the West Midlands and the city of London.