THREE SUSPECTED MEASLES cases were reported in Ireland during the week of 4 to 10 February, according to figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) today.

There was also one confirmed case during that week – the man who died in the Dublin and Midlands Health Region. The case was the first measles death in Ireland in over 20 years.

The other three suspected cases are among children. 

Every week the HPSC updates the number of reported measles cases in Ireland including a breakdown of whether or not the cases are confirmed, possible or probable.

Each suspected case needs to be tested in a laboratory before being confirmed as measles or denotified.

There were nine suspected measles cases in Ireland the previous week (28 January to 3 February), according to the HPSC.

However, eight of these nine cases have since been denotified, The Journal has confirmed. The ninth case is still be investigated and has, as of yet, not been confirmed as measles.

It means the total number of reported cases so far this year is five – one confirmed case and four suspected cases.

There were four measles cases in Ireland in 2023, two cases in 2022, no cases were reported in 2021, and five cases in 2020. 

What is measles?

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

It typically starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after a person gets infected. The person will get a rash a few days later.

The illness usually lasts for seven to 10 days. You can read more in our explainer on the disease here. 

Contains reporting by Daragh Brophy