The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to passengers and crew on a Ryanair flight from London Gatwick to Dublin, advising they may have been exposed to measles. The flight, FR123, departed at 8.10pm on Thursday, May 16, and health officials are urging vigilance for symptoms until June 7.
In a public health statement, the HSE advised that individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, have previously had measles, or were born in Ireland before 1978 are likely immune. Those not immune are asked to avoid contact with vulnerable people, including pregnant women, infants under 12 months, and immunocompromised individuals, until after June 7.
Symptoms of measles include a runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38°C or above, and a rash that typically starts on the head and neck before spreading. The HSE advises anyone developing symptoms to phone ahead before attending a healthcare setting to prevent further spread.
The HSE also recommends that unvaccinated individuals contact their GP to discuss MMR vaccination. Children should receive their first dose at one year and a second dose at 4-5 years. A free catch-up vaccination is available for those who missed their doses.
