HPSC confirms fifth case of measles in Ireland

The HSE said it is now finalising plans for the broader rollout of a proactive MMR vaccine catch-up programme. Picture: Getty Images

A fifth case of measles has been confirmed in Ireland.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) confirmed the case, in its Infectious Disease Weekly Report.

Four other cases have been reported in recent weeks. 

On Tuesday, the HSE issues an urgent public health alert after a case of the viral illness was confirmed on a flight to Dublin from Abu Dhabi.

This latest case means the total number confirmed in Ireland so far this year is now higher than the total number reported in 2023.

The HSE said it is now finalising plans for the broader rollout of a proactive MMR vaccine catch-up programme in response to a rise in measles cases in the UK and Europe.

It already offers MMR vaccines to children aged 12 months and four to five years old.

There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger.

A HSE spokesperson said the programme would prioritise three groups as uptake rates are currently lower in those groups:

• Children and young adults;

• Healthcare workers;

• And underserved groups such as refugees, applicants seeking protection and the homeless community.

The HSE plans to commence the programme following the St Patrick’s bank holiday weekend.

Current public health advice indicates people born in Ireland before 1978 are likely to have been exposed to measles as children and, therefore, unlikely to require MMR vaccine.