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An ongoing measles outbreak linked to a suspected imported case, Ireland, April to June 2016
Peter Barrett1, Katerina Chaintarli, Fiona Ryan
1Department of Public Health HSE-South, St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Abstract:
We report an outbreak of measles which started in April 2016 and which, by 13 June, has resulted in 22 confirmed and five probable measles cases occurring in four regions of Ireland. Genotype B3 was identified. We describe the identification, ongoing investigation and control measures being implemented. This outbreak occurs during a period of very low measles transmission in Ireland, with only one confirmed case (imported) notified in 2016 before this event.
Insights
An Ireland measles outbreak in 2016 involved 27 cases, with genotype B3 identified. Public health officials investigated and implemented control measures during a period of low measles transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Measles transmission in Ireland was at a very low level in 2016.
- Only one imported measles case was reported prior to this outbreak.
- A significant measles outbreak occurred in Ireland starting April 2016.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a measles outbreak in Ireland.
- To describe the identification and investigation of the outbreak.
- To outline the control measures implemented.
Main Methods:
- Case ascertainment through confirmed and probable case definitions.
- Genotyping to identify the measles virus strain.
- Ongoing epidemiological investigation and public health response.
Main Results:
- The outbreak resulted in 22 confirmed and 5 probable measles cases.
- Cases were distributed across four regions in Ireland.
- Measles genotype B3 was identified as the causative agent.
Conclusions:
- The identified measles genotype B3 caused an outbreak in Ireland.
- The outbreak occurred despite a period of low national measles transmission.
- Public health interventions were initiated to control the spread.
