ALERT: Two suspected cases of measles confirmed among children in the Mid-West

TWO of the nine cases of suspected measles reported in Ireland last week were detected in the Mid-West, it has been confirmed.

In its latest Infectious Disease Report, The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) says there were nine cases of suspected measles across the country in the week leading up to Saturday last, February 3.

Three cases were reported in the HSE East area (Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow), three in the Midlands (Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath), two in the Mid-West (Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary) and one in the South of the country (Cork and Kerry).

According to the HPSC, two of nine cases are 'probable' cases while seven have been categorised as 'possible' cases.

All of the suspected cases relate to children under the age of nine. 

Separately, contact tracing is continuing after an adult male died in hospital after he contracted measles.

"HSE public health teams, along with the HSE Measles National Incident Management Team (IMT), are taking all necessary public health actions in relation to the case," said a spokesperson for the HPSC.

The HSE Measles IMT was established in response to a recent rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe.

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There were four measles cases reported in Ireland during 2023 up from two cases in 2022. There were no confirmed cases in 2021 and five cases were reported in 2020. 

There were no deaths reported in any of those years.