THE HSE HAS issued a public health alert that passengers on a train from Dublin to Sligo on Friday may have been exposed to measles.

A highly suspect measles case has been notified to the Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West and is currently under investigation.

It is possible that passengers were exposed to measles while travelling for 15 minutes or more on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo train in Carriage D, which departed Dublin at 5.05pm on 28 March.

The Department has reminded people of the risk of measles infection to non-immune individuals.

Measles is a highly-infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and people who are immunosuppressed. 

It said symptoms can develop any time within 21 days after exposure.

If you travelled on this train for 15 minutes or more, the HSE says it’s especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which 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

Those who have any of these symptoms should go to their GP, but they are advised to phone aheadprior to attending any healthcare setting.

The HSE has reminded the public to get vaccinated against measles, which has seen a sporadic rise in cases and outbreaks over the last year.

The HSE said: “The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by MMR vaccination.

“This can be arranged free of charge with your GP (focus on children) or in the HSE vaccination clinics for children (over the age of 5 years) and adults for whom vaccination is indicated.”

The times and locations are listed at this link.