HSE warns about suspected measles on train through County Roscommon

The Health Service Executive has this evening said that a highly suspect measles case has been notified to the Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West, and is currently under investigation.

The HSE said members of the public may have been exposed to measles while travelling for 15 minutes or more in carriage D on the Dublin Connolly-Sligo train that departed Dublin at 5.05 p.m. on Friday, March 28th last and travelled via Carrick-on-Shannon and Boyle.

People are this evening urged to be aware of signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days (i.e. until April 18th) from the time of possible exposure.

"Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed. If you are in one of these groups, please seek advice from your GP," said the HSE.

If you travelled on this train for 15 minutes or more, it is especially important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles, which include: cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, sore red eyes, a temperature of 38 degrees celsius or above, rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

If you have these symptoms you are urged to seek medical advice.