Health officials have indicated that passengers and crew members of a London to Dublin Ryanair flight could have been exposed to measles. Individuals who travelled on flight FR123 from Gatwick to Dublin last Thursday at 8.10pm are being urged by the Health Service Executive to be on high alert for symptoms of the infectious disease for the next 21 days, until June 7th.
According to an announcement from the HSE, those likely to be immune to measles are individuals who have either received two MMR vaccinations, have had the disease earlier, or were born in Ireland before 1978. On the other hand, those who might not be immune are advised to stay away from others susceptible to infections, such as pregnant people, infants under a year old, and people with impaired immunity until June 7th.
Furthermore, health employees who believe they could have come into contact with a case of measles are advised to inform their superiors. Some of the symptoms to look out for are a runny nose, sneezing, a cough, sore red eyes, a high temperature of 38C or more, and a spreading rash, that usually begins on the head and neck.
The HSE has also requested individuals who develop these symptoms, to seek medical help and call ahead before visiting any healthcare settings in order to advise them and avoid potentially spreading the disease to others.
People who have not been vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR are further advised to contact their general practitioner during ordinary working hours to discuss the possible need of a vaccination. The HSE emphasised that the best protection against measles for oneself and others is the MMR vaccination.
Children are usually given their first dose of the MMR vaccine when they are one year old, and a follow-up dose in their junior infancy at ages 4-5. A free catch-up MMR vaccine is also available through certain GPs for those who may not have been vaccinated during their childhood.