One adult with measles has died in Leinster, health officials have announced.
The adult died in hospital in the Dublin Midlands Health Region.
According to the HSE, this is the first measles case reported in Ireland this year.
The public health team and the National Measles Incident Management Team (IMT) are “taking all necessary public health measures in relation to this incident,” the statement added.
IMT was established in response to the recent surge in measles cases in the UK and across Europe.
Four measles cases were reported in 2023, two in 2022, zero in 2021, and five in 2020.
No deaths were reported in those years.
The HSE said it would offer the MMR vaccine to prevent measles to all children, and provide revaccination options for children under 10 who may have missed out on vaccination.
“The HSE will keep the public informed of further measures and in the meantime anyone with concerns should contact their GP,” the department said.
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Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smith said she was “very concerned” that Ireland was at “high risk” of a measles outbreak.
“To prevent the spread of measles, 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated,” Professor Smith said in a social media post.
“Unfortunately, MMR vaccination coverage in Ireland is below 90% nationally, with some counties having coverage below 80%.
“Also, recent studies have shown that nearly 20% of men aged 18 or 19 do not have immunity to measles.
“This is particularly worrying as we are currently seeing an increase in the number of infections in the UK and across Europe.
“If you are considering traveling to these areas, we strongly urge you to ensure that you and your children are protected.
“MMR is a safe and highly effective vaccine,” Professor Smith added.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious complications, especially in children under 1 year of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Cold-like symptoms such as pain, runny nose, sneezing, and cough
- Red eye pain that may be due to light sensitivity
- Body temperature can be over 38℃, and in some cases as high as 40℃
- small grayish-white spots inside the mouth
- decreased appetite
- Feeling tired, irritable, and overall lack of energy
- rash. It usually first appears on the head and neck and spreads to the rest of the body.
According to the HSE, the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) has reported a resurgence in measles cases in the UK, particularly in the West Midlands and London.
According to the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Center, most confirmed cases since 2020 have reported recent travel to countries with ongoing outbreaks.