Urgent Notice: Measles contact risk for passengers on flight from Abu Dhabi

The HSE Public Health is calling on passengers on Etihad Airways flight EY45 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, arriving on Saturday, March 9 at 6.30pm, to contact the HSE helpline.

This is because a person with a confirmed case of measles travelled on the flight.

Higher Risk Passengers

Passengers in certain groups are asked to contact HSE Life by calling 1800 700 700 or 00 353 1 240 8787 if calling from outside of Ireland urgently. Any passenger who is a pregnant woman, immunocompromised, or under the age of 12-months-old is asked to please immediately contact the helpline or their local HSE Department of Public Health. This is because immediate treatment may be beneficial.

All Passengers

All passengers are asked to be aware of signs and symptoms of measles until Saturday, March 30, which is 21 days from the time of possible exposure.

Signs and symptoms of measles 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.

A spokesperson said: "If you have these symptoms and if illness develops, stay home in a separate room, and seek healthcare advice. 

"Phone ahead prior to attending any healthcare setting to let them know that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements.

"Anyone with further travel arrangements should not travel if they are experiencing the above symptoms, but should seek medical advice.

"The best way to protect yourself and those around you against measles is by two MMR vaccinations. This can be arranged with your GP."

Further information about measles is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/

HSE Public Health teams are continuing to work with Etihad Airways.