Tag Archives: measles

THE region is “at risk of a measles outbreaks” due to low uptake of the MMR vaccine since the pandemic, according to the director of Public Health for the HSE Mid-West. Late last month the first case of measles in the Mid-West for four years was detected, Dr  Mai Mannix confirmed during a recent briefing of the HSE to Clare County Council. The case, the first in the country for 2022, involved an individual living in the Mid-West who had been in East Africa where there is a large ongoing outbreak of the disease. Clare’s uptake of the vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella is at 89.1%, however this falls short of the 95% vaccination rate needed for immunity, she told the meeting. Neighbouring Limerick’s uptake of the vaccine is lower again at 82.8%. She stressed the best protection is MMR vaccination, however the uptake rate has declined since the Covid-19 pandemic. “We are working hard with our community colleagues …

Strict visitor restrictions are in place at University Hospital Limerick in light of the continuing outbreak of measles in the Limerick City area. Restrictions had already been in place since late December following an increase in seasonal influenza. However, the restrictions will remain enforced as a precaution in view of the ongoing outbreak of measles in the Limerick City area. There are currently a small number of patients with measles in isolation at UHL and the hospital is taking all necessary precautions to contain the illness. UL Hospitals Group is working closely with public health and community colleagues on the Outbreak Control Team set up to manage this outbreak. Until further notice, it is necessary to restrict visitors to one person per patient only and to remind members of the public that visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to. This applies to adult and paediatric patients alike …