Three probable measles cases were reported in Ireland between February 4 and 10, according to the latest statistics from the Health Protection Surveillance Center (HPSC).
Last week, one case was confirmed. Last week, a 48-year-old man died from the disease in hospital in the Dublin Midlands Health region, a senior health official confirmed. He is believed to have contracted the highly contagious viral disease after traveling to Birmingham, England, which is experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak.
The HSE has issued a public health warning following the man’s death.
HPSC publishes the number of reported cases of measles each week and categorizes reports of the disease as confirmed, probable, or probable.
Last week, Ireland provisionally reported nine suspected measles cases between 28 January and 3 February.
In Japan, there were 4 cases of measles last year, 2 cases in 2022, 0 cases in 2021, and 5 cases in 2020. No deaths were reported in either year.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health warned on Wednesday that new cases were likely following the death of a man from measles last week.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread through coughing and sneezing, and can cause serious illness at any age.
Symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms such as pain, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Red eye pain that may be sensitive to light. High temperature; small gray-white spots in the mouth. The rash usually appears on the head and neck before spreading to other parts of the body.
The number of measles cases in Europe increased 45 times last year, an “alarming” increase, according to the World Health Organization.
- Apply push alert Get the best news, analysis and commentary delivered straight to your phone
- search Irish Times on WhatsApp Stay up to date
- The In The News podcast is published daily – find the latest episode here