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Measles Case Leads To Death Of A Man In Dublin And Midlands Health Region

Thursday, 8 February 2024 07:16

The HSE is urging adults and children to get vaccinated.

The HSE says its public health teams are taking all necessary steps, following the death of a man in his 40s with a confirmed case of measles.

It's reported the Westmeath man, died in a hospital in the Dublin and Midlands health region, after recently travelling to an event in England.

A HSE Measles National Incident Management Team had already been established in response to a recent rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe.

This is the first confirmed measles case notified in Ireland this year - and follows a World Health Organisation warning of an 'alarming' rise in cases across Europe.

Director of Public Health at the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, Dr. Lucy Jessop, says contact tracing is now underway following the man's death. 

Concern had recently been expressed at the low uptake of MMR vaccine which has been below 90 percent for some time.

The HSE is again urging adults and children to get vaccinated.

Measles symptoms can in include a red, itchy rash across the body - white spots inside the mouth - a high temperature - and cold or flu like symptoms.

Anyone concerned is asked to contact their GP.

Further details about measles symptoms are available on the HSE website under 'conditions'.

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