Measles Case Confirmed on Abu Dhabi to Dublin Flight Sparks Health Concerns in Ireland

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed a case of measles onboard an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin. This marks the third measles case in Ireland, prompting urgent action from health authorities.

Flight Details and Urgent Appeal:
Passengers who traveled on Etihad Airways flight EY45, which arrived in Dublin on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 6:30 am, are urged to contact HSELive immediately at 1800 700 700, or 00 353 1 2408787 if calling from outside Ireland. The appeal particularly targets pregnant passengers, those immunocompromised, or under 12 months of age.

Previous Cases and Preparedness:
The first measles case this year, reported in early February, tragically resulted in the death of a man in his 40s in the Dublin and Midlands Health Region. A second case was notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on March 6 in the west of the country. With increasing cases in the UK and Europe, the HSE is initiating a measles vaccination catch-up program aimed at approximately 300,000 individuals.

Measles and its Risks:
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially in children under one year old, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. The HSE underscores the importance of vaccination and vigilance in preventing further spread of the disease.

Historical Cases:
In 2023, four measles cases were reported, with two cases in 2022 and five cases in 2020. Notably, no cases were reported in 2021. These figures highlight the fluctuating but persistent threat of measles and the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts.

The HSE emphasizes the need for immediate action and encourages affected passengers to heed the urgent appeal to safeguard their health and prevent further transmission of measles within the community.