ALERT: HSE issue urgent measles alert to passengers on Dublin to Sligo train

The HSE West and North West have issued an urgent measles alert to passengers who were travelling from Dublin to Sligo last Friday, March 28, as they may have been exposed to measles.

One person is currently being investigated for the highly contagious infection and it is understood that passengers would have been exposed to measles if travelling for fifteen minutes or more on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo train in Carriage D.

The train in question departed Dublin at 5.05pm on Friday March 28 and Public Health officials have urged people to be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days until April 18, from the time of the potential exposure.

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Public Health officials also advised people about the risk of measles infection to non-immune individuals as it is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health complications most notably in the immunosuppressed, children under the age of one year old and pregnant women.

If you travelled in Carriage D of the Dublin Connolly train to Sligo for 15 minutes or more at any point from 5.05pm, the HSE says it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles.

These include cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough. It also includes symptoms such as sore red eyes, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above or a rash which usually appears on the head and neck first before it spreads to the rest of the body.

Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should go to their GP, but are advised to phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting.

The HSE has also reminded the general public to get vaccinated against measles as there has been a sporadic rise in cases and outbreaks over the last year.

The HSE said: "The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination."

If you are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, contact your GP as soon as possible during normal working hours to discuss whether you require vaccination, the vaccine is free.

Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine by the time they are one year of age and a second dose in junior infants at around four to five years of age.