Man Dies from Measles in Ireland: HSE Raises Alarm over Low Vaccination Rate

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed the unfortunate death of a man from measles, marking the first case of the disease in Ireland this year. This incident has prompted concerns regarding low vaccination rates and the potential for widespread disease transmission.

The deceased individual was reported to have passed away in a hospital within the Dublin and Midlands Health Region, as disclosed by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

In response to this case and the escalating measles cases in the UK and mainland Europe, the HSE has mobilised public health teams and the Measles National Incident Management Team (IMT) to implement necessary public health measures.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly informed the Cabinet about the rising measles cases in Europe this winter, juxtaposed with declining rates of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake in Ireland. This concerning trend has led to approximately one-fifth of the population in certain counties lacking protection against measles due to low vaccination rates.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent warning following a significant surge in measles cases across Europe, with over 30,000 cases reported in the first nine months of the previous year. This surge contrasts starkly with the fewer than 1,000 cases reported in 2022.

Ireland recorded four cases of measles last year, all imported from outside the EU in a single-family outbreak. However, the current year has seen a tragic death from measles, underscoring the importance of vaccination.

Concerns and Urgency:

Despite efforts to combat measles through vaccination, MMR vaccine uptake in Ireland remains below the WHO’s recommended target of 95%. National uptake has persistently fallen below 90% for seven consecutive quarters, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to the highly contagious disease.

Measles presents a severe threat, not only due to its contagious nature but also because of the potential for severe complications. Symptoms typically manifest within seven to 14 days after infection, starting with a high temperature, cough, runny or blocked nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by the characteristic rash.

The recent death from measles in Ireland serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Urgent action is needed to address the declining vaccination rates and protect the population from the potentially devastating consequences of measles.