The HSE and management at Cavan General Hospital have issued advice as fall-out from a measles outbreak in the hospital continues. A statement from General Manager, Su-Zann O'Callaghan, warns anyone who attended, was admitted to, or visited patients in Cavan General in the past 14 days "may have been exposed to measles".
While the hospital is still providing full emergency care "if it is required" visiting is not recommended "at this time unless in exceptional circumstances, and is at the discretion of the ward manager". Anyone experiencing the symptoms of measles including a runny nose, red eyes, a hacking cough and fever followed by rash is advised to phone their GP and not attend in person at first.
Anyone with symptoms is asked to let their doctor know they have attended Cavan General Hospital. The HSE meanwhile, advise the MMR vaccination is the only protection against measles. Northern Sound GP, Dr Illona Duffy, stresses the importance of phoning ahead and getting double vaccinated: "It's disappointing to see there's another outbreak of measles in the Cavan and Monaghan area, specifically Cavan Hospital have now had to close their doors to visitors," Dr Illona told Northern Sound, "So, I think the important thing is measles is a serious illness but, it's a preventable illness so, number one: if you think have symptoms you think is measles or you're unvaccinated that you do not present to your doctor's surgery or the hospital; you must ring ahead. If you're vaccinated and you've had two vaccines or you were born before 1978 then it's practically impossible to have measles and you van be reassured it's not measles."
