HSE issues urgent public health warning following confirmed measles case on bus through Kilkenny

Passengers on board a bus from Dublin Airport that passed through Kilkenny may have been exposed to measles, according to health officials. 

The HSE has advised passengers who were onboard the JJ Kavanagh bus number 717 from Dublin Airport to Clonmel departing at 4pm on Saturday, August 17 that they may have been exposed to the contagious disease following a confirmed case. 

The route has several stops in Kilkenny, including drop off spots at Castlecomer, Kilkenny City, Callan and Killamery.

The JJ Kavanagh bus is expected to have had passengers from Kilkenny on board. 

In a statement, the HSE said: “For any passenger on this bus journey who is a pregnant woman, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12-months-old please immediately contact your GP or hospital clinician for advice. This is because immediate treatment may be beneficial.

“For all passengers on this bus journey: Be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for the next 2-3 weeks.”

The signs and symptoms of measles include:

• Cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough.
• Sore red eyes.
• A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above.
• Rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

If you have these symptoms, stay at home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice. 

Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, and were exposed to measles, so they can make necessary arrangements. 

Anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms but should seek medical advice. 

Those who have previously had two MMR vaccinations or measles in the past are well protected against measles infection.

The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is with two MMR vaccinations. This can be arranged with your GP. Further information about measles is available at the HSE website.

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