Serious Data On Ireland’s Measles Breakout: Warning From HSE

Official data reveal that four major measles breakouts in Ireland were noticed, only for June, the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed. An urgent warning is generated for the public as the highly contagious illness is on the rise.

In Ireland, measles cases are escalating with 81 cases so far in 2024. Just in the past five weeks, there have been 17 instances of individuals who have experienced severe illness. 11 of those cases were from the east and northeast and the remaining six were in the north-west.

(Also read: HPSC Reports Substantial Surge in Covid-19 Case)

HSE also disclosed that 12 cases were witnessed in Dublin in the previous three months, particularly in the northeast region. Out of 81 cases, 38 were men while 40 were women. For the rest of the people, gender is not disclosed.

The age range that was most affected by this outbreak was 25-34 years. It also included five nine-year-olds and teenagers from 15-19 years old. Not more than five cases were confirmed in babies who were under 12 months. No cases were reported for old people, above 65 years.

HPSC details on measles breakout in Ireland

A fresh report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) indicated that an outbreak of airborne measles was observed between 15 and 21 July. These incidents started with a family in a northeastern private home. Three cases were found to be from the same family.

Two similar cases of measles breakout were present in four people of the same family, occurring between June 24 and July 15, living on the east side.

HPSC said that the second outbreak had another four people in its grip. The outbreak was seen with a person-to-person transmission, also on the east side.

Adding to the list of cases, four more cases were confirmed in a separate measles breakout two weeks ago, on the north-west side.

Additionally, HSE affirms that 13 measles breakouts were from private homes and schools, inculcating community and hospital outbreaks. Out of all of the cases, two to twelve cases were confirmed while 18 were under investigation, showing similar symptoms.

Those with weakened immune systems were particularly impacted the most. Those were the people who were either undergoing HIV treatment or any other treatment that weakened their immune system. Leukaemia could be the reason as well.

The prominent symptoms of measles cannot begin without having received the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. These vaccines are generally recommended for newborn babies, at least under 12 months of age. It is advised to give them a second dose when school starts.

Measles is commonly known as the disease that causes red spots on the whole body. When a person gets into contact with an infected person, they appear on their body.

Symptoms persist for up to 10 days after the infection, and illness can stay for a week or 10 days. Therefore, parents are required to get their kids vaccinated at an early age to create a resistance to childhood diseases that seem equivalent, such as slapped cheek syndrome, roseola and rubella.

Pregnant women and infants younger than six months old are the most vulnerable groups in the community to catch measles even before symptoms appear. They are the ones who are not fully injected against this illness and are more prone to catching it.

Individuals with poor immune systems are incredibly fragile. The World Health Organisation (WHO) validates that measles itself creates more weakness in the immune system. It may seem like the body forgets how to safeguard itself against such bacteria, in which children come first.

Malnourished children, especially those that have vitamin A deficiency are the closest target of measles. Hence, a healthy diet is highly recommended by the medical experts.