THE HSE has issued an urgent warning for Irish jetsetters as a “highly infectious disease” hits numerous holiday hotspots.
As thousands of Irish families prepare to travel abroad this summer, health bosses have warned about a surge in measles in some countries.
The HSE urging all travellers to make sure they are fully vaccinated against measles before heading abroad, particularly those travelling with children.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It can linger in a room for up to two hours after the person has left, meaning it’s easy to catch in crowded places like airports, hotels and public transport.
Although it is often thought of as a childhood illness, measles can affect anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated.
Countries currently experiencing major outbreaks include France, Spain, Romania, the Netherlands and Belgium – all of which are top summer destinations for Irish tourists.
And The HSE says it could pose a real threat to public health back in Ireland if travellers bring it home with them.
They said: “MMR vaccine is available free of charge at your GP for individuals born on or after January 1st 1978 who are not age-appropriately vaccinated.
“In addition, infants aged 6 months to under 12 months are eligible to receive an MMR vaccine, free of charge at their GP, prior to travel abroad.
“It is recommended that individuals receive MMR vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.
“HSE recommends that all people who are eligible for MMR vaccination should be vaccinated, regardless of whether planning on travel abroad or not.”
As outlined on the HSE website, here are the initial symptoms of the illness:
- cold-like symptoms such as aches and pains, a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above (fever)
- small grey-white spots in your mouth
- loss of appetite
- tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy
Large numbers of cases have also been recorded in the United States and Canada, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing its own travel alerts.
In Asia, outbreaks have been reported in Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Many of these outbreaks are happening in places with low vaccination rates, where the disease spreads rapidly among those unprotected.
HOW TO STAY PROTECTED
And The HSE has warned that Ireland is vulnerable due to a decline in childhood vaccine uptake in recent years.
People with weakened immune systems, the elderly or those with underlying health conditions are also more vulnerable to complications.
The symptoms of measles usually begin 10 to 14 days after exposure and start with a high fever, runny nose, cough and red watery eyes.
A distinctive red or brown rash follows, usually starting on the face and neck before spreading down the body.
The illness can make people feel extremely unwell particularly in the days just after the rash appears – and in some cases it can even be fatal.
To stay protected, health bosses are advising everyone to check if they’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine – the recommended course for full immunity.
You can also contact your GP to check your records and book a catch-up vaccine for free if needed, regardless of age.
Measles surge in top holiday destinations
HERE is all you need to know about the recent measles surge:
- The HSE has issued an urgent warning about a surge in measles cases in popular holiday destinations.
- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily through the air and can linger in crowded places like airports and hotels for up to two hours.
- Countries experiencing major outbreaks include France, Spain, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, North America and Southeast Asia.
- The HSE is urging jetsetters to ensure they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection.
- Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash that spreads from the face down the body.
