The Department of Public Health HSE South West is advising that members of the public may have come into contact with measles while attending parts of the Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital during specific times on Sunday May 12 or in the Puffin Ward on Sunday May 12 and Monday May 13.
The specific parts of the hospital and specific times for awareness are:
- Main Emergency Department registration/ waiting area on Sunday May 12 between 1.10pm and 3.30pm only
- Children’s Emergency Department on Sunday May 12 between 1.30pm and 11.20pm only
- Puffin Ward between 9.20pm on Sunday May 12 and 3pm on Monday May 13
The Department of Public Health team is working with the hospital and all necessary public health actions are being taken. Every effort is being made to identify and make contact with all close contacts, and this alert is issued in addition to comprehensive contact tracing. No details about the case will be given, in order to protect the privacy of the individual involved.
Advice for those who attended the main Emergency Department registration / waiting area, the Children’s Emergency Department or the Puffin ward on the times and dates above only.
Anyone who attended the above during the above dates and times only is advised to be alert for the symptoms of measles for 21 days from the date of possible contact (i.e. until Sunday June 2 or Monday June 3). Contact tracing has begun, and we have been or will be in direct contact with those identified as close contacts. We are reassured by the fact that many of the close contacts have received two doses of the MMR vaccines. Adults born in Ireland before 1978 (45 years and over) are also considered to be immune.
Additional advice for anyone who attended the main Emergency Department registration / waiting area, the Children’s Emergency Department or the Puffin ward on the times and dates above only AND who is pregnant, is immunocompromised or is the guardian of a child aged under 12 months:
Anyone who attended the above during the above dates and times only AND who is pregnant, immunocompromised or, is the parent/guardian of a child aged under 12 months should immediately contact the Department of Public Health HSE South West via HSELive on 1800 700 700.
This is because immediate preventative treatment may be beneficial to you.
Being aware of signs and symptoms:
Everyone who attended the locations above during these timeframes should be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days from the time of possible exposure. The symptoms and signs are:
- Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, cough).
- Sore red eyes.
- A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above.
- Small grey-while spots in your mouth.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness, irritability, and a general lack of energy.
- These are followed by a rash, which usually appears on the head and neck first and spreads to the rest of the body.
If you think you have measles or develop any signs or symptoms:
- Please isolate yourself from others.
- Get medical advice over the phone.
- Do not come to any healthcare setting or facility like a GP or hospital unless you have rung ahead and let them know about the symptoms. This will allow healthcare staff to make arrangements to avoid any further spread.
Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine said:
“While measles is a serious infectious disease and is highly contagious, we wish to reassure the public that all relevant public health measures are being followed. Contact tracing means that we will be in direct touch with close contacts. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP. There’s useful important information on hse.ie/measles. HSELive on 1800 700 700 also has useful advice on measles and the MMR vaccine. We would also like to remind anyone who has missed or is not up to date with their MMR vaccinations, that there is now a free catch-up MMR vaccination option available from GPs.”
Contact HSE live for further information on measles (Freephone 1800 700 700)
Last updated on: 17 / 05 / 2024
