HSE issues warning to CUH visitors about potential contact with measles

Cork University Hospital, Cork. Picture; Larry Cummins

The HSE has warned members of the public who attended parts of the emergency department at Cork University Hospital (CUH) or the Puffin Ward on certain days in the last week that they may have come into contact with measles.

Anyone who visited the following areas could have come into contact with the highly contagious disease: 

• CUH's main emergency department waiting area or registration on Sunday (May 12) between 1.10pm and 3.30pm
• The Children’s Emergency Department on Sunday between 1.30pm and 11.20pm and/or: 
• The Puffin Ward between 9.20pm on Sunday and 3pm on Monday (May 11)

People who attended the above locations at the dates and times have been advised to be alert for the symptoms of measles for 21 days from the date of possible contact — which would bring them to either Sunday. June 2 or Monday, June 3.

The HSE said that contact tracing has begun and it will be in contact with those identified as close contacts while respecting their privacy.

Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine said: “While measles is a serious infectious disease and is highly contagious, we wish to reassure the public that all relevant public health measures are being followed. Contact tracing means that we will be in direct touch with close contacts. Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should contact their GP.

A statement added: “We are reassured by the fact that many of the close contacts have received two doses of the MMR vaccines. Adults born in Ireland before 1978 (45 years and over) are also considered to be immune.”