The HSE has released a statement following reports of measles cases at Portlaoise Hospital.
A patient in the hospital’s maternity unit contacted LaoisToday and said that there had been ‘measles in Portlaoise Hospital’.
They claimed that a woman ‘had given birth and measles, exposing pregnant women and their babies to the disease’.
In response to a query, the HSE confirmed they have been a ‘small number of cases’ linked to the hospital.
They said: “The Hospital is working with the Department of Public Health following notification of a small number of measles cases linked to the Hospital.
“All necessary public health and infection prevention and control actions are being taken at the Hospital.”
On foot of this, the Department of Public Health has released the following information.
They said: “We wish to advise that members of the public may have come into contact with measles while attending the Emergency Department in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
“This is between 1pm and 6pm on Friday April 26 and between 2.40pm on Sunday April 28 and 6pm on Monday, April 29.
“This alert relates to those who attended the Emergency Department in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise during the specific times outlined above.
“Be alert for symptoms of measles for 21 days from date of contact.
“If you were born in Ireland before 1978, or had measles illness, or received two MMR vaccines, you are probably immune.
“Make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccine.
“The Department of Public Health team is working with the hospital and all necessary public health actions are being taken.”
The HSE advising:
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure. These include:
- Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
- Sore red eyes
- A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- Followed by:
- Rash, which usually appears on the head and neck first and spreads to the rest of the body
If you develop these symptoms, please isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice.
Phone ahead before attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements to prevent potential further spread to others.
They have also called on people who are not vaccinated, to do so.
They said: “If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, please contact your GP during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination.
“If you were born in Ireland before 1978 or had measles, you are unlikely to require vaccination, as you are probably immune.
“The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination.
“Please make sure that you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines. This can be arranged with your GP.
“Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at 4-5 years of age.
“For those who may have missed their vaccination when younger, there is a free catch-up MMR option available from participating GPs.”
