Chief Medical Officer is 'very concerned' of measles outbreak in Ireland

HSE chief medical officer, professor Breda Smyth has released a statement on X as she is "very concerned" Ireland is at a higher risk of a measles outbreak, following the death of a man who contracted the disease.

In the post, professor Smyth said: "We need 95% of the population to be vaccinated in order to prevent measles infection from spreading.Unfortunately, the uptake rate for the MMR vaccine in Ireland has fallen below 90% nationally and, in some counties, the rate is as low as below 80%. Also, we know from recent studies that nearly 20% of males aged 18 or 19 years do not have immunity to measles. This is particularly concerning as currently we're seeing a rise in cases in the UK and across Europe. If you're considering travelling to these areas, I would strongly urge you to ensure that you and/or your child are protected.The MMR is a safe and very effective vaccine."

There has been a confirmed death of an adult in Ireland linked to measles infection. We need to prevent as many cases, serious illnesses and deaths as possible. Please get your MMR vaccine. See https://t.co/kQT8OUIL48 pic.twitter.com/wYCXvShlhH

— Chief Medical Officer (@CMOIreland) February 7, 2024

The death of the middle-aged man is the first confirmed measles case in Ireland in 2024.

There were four measles cases reported in 2023 and two in 2022.

While no cases were reported in 2021, there were five recorded in 2020, the HSE said, with no deaths reported in any of those years.

The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre was notified of the man’s death - in the Dublin and Midlands health region

“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,” the HSE said in a statement issued Wednesday evening.

“The HSE measles IMT was established in response to a recent rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe. The HSE will keep the public informed of further measures and, in the meantime, anyone with concerns should contact their GP," added the spokesperson.

It is understood that hospital doctors and GPs in the area where the man presented as being unwell, have been notified of the case and that contact tracing is underway.

No further details regarding the man's death have been disclosed publicly.