HSE issues ‘urgent’ public health alert after possible measles exposure on Irish train

The possible exposure is thought to have occurred on a rail service last Friday, March 28.

The exposure is thought to have occurred on a rail service last Friday, March 28.

The highly suspected measles case is currently under investigation after being notified to the Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West.

It is possible that passengers who travelled 15 minutes or more in Carriage D on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo train, which departed Dublin at 5.05pm on March 28, were exposed to the suspected case.

The HSE has warned those who travelled on the train 15 minutes or more that it’s extremely important to be aware of measles signs and symptoms, which include:

• Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
• Sore red eyes
• A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
• Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body

Anyone who poses these symptoms should go to their GP, but are advised to phone before attending any healthcare setting.

The Department has reminded people the risks measles can pose to non-immune individuals, and urged the public to get vaccinated against measles, which has seen a rise in cases and outbreaks in the past year.

For information, visit the HSE's website.

Image via Rolling News.