HSE issues urgent health alert following case of measles found in children's soft play centre

The HSE has again issued an urgent public health alert following the discovery of a case of measles in a children's indoor soft play centre in Dublin. 

A spokesperson for the HSE said an individual with a confirmed case of the viral infection attended the Ship Shape Kids Play in Castleknock, north Dublin on April 4.

The HSE has warned families that may have been in the centre to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles and to check for them for 21 days from the date of the possible exposure.

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms around 10 days after you get infected.

The first symptoms of measles are:

• 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

You get a measles rash a few days later.

You should contact your GP or hospital immediately if you:

• are pregnant and you think you might have measles
• think you or your child has measles
• were in close contact with someone who has measles and you are pregnant
• were in close contact with someone who has measles and you did not have measles in the past or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine

Always call before you go to your GP or hospital. They may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

This confirmed case is one of several cases that have been identified by the public health authorities in the capital, which has given rise to a heightened risk of community spread of the infection.

Measles usually lasts 7 to 10 days.

To ease your symptoms:

• take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the fever, aches and pains - do not give aspirin to children under 16 years old
• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• close the curtains to lower your sensitivity to light
• use damp cotton wool to clean under you or your child's eyes