Urgent measles warning to Ryanair passengers

People on a Ryanair flight from London to Dublin may have been exposed to measles.

Fears are rising that passengers and crew on Flight FR123 could have contracted the contagious disease.

This is the latest warning from the Health Service Executive (HSE) after more than 74 cases were detected in London alone in April.

But infections have been on the rise across all of Great Britain and Ireland.

HSE is advising those on board the plane travelling between Gatwick and Dublin at 8.10pm last Thursday that they may have been exposed to measles.

‘We ask you to be particularly vigilant for symptoms of measles for 21 days from exposure – until June 7,’ a public health statement said.

It said those who have either received two MMR vaccines, have previously been infected with measles, or were born in Ireland before 1978, are ‘probably immune’.

Those who are not are urged to avoid contact with vulnerable people including pregnant people, babies under the age of 12 months, and people with a weakened immune system until after June 7.

Healthcare workers are asked to inform their line manager that they have been in contact with a measles case.

In addition, those who are not vaccinated against measles with two doses of MMR, are asked to contact their GP during normal working hours to discuss whether they require vaccination.

Signs and symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough.

Other symptoms include sore red eyes, a temperature of 38°C or above, and a rash, which usually appears on head and neck first and spreads to rest of body.

HSE said: ‘If you develop these symptoms, please seek medical advice.

‘Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements to prevent potential further spread to others.’

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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