UAE issues warning after passenger tests positive for measles on Abu Dhabi

• Etihad Airways reported a passenger testing positive for measles on a flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin.
• Irish authorities have notified the airline and are coordinating for close-contact tracing.
• Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease that can lead to severe complications.

An Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin reported a passenger testing positive for measles. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier stated that Irish authorities informed them of the incident and they are coordinating with officials for all close-contact tracing.

Authorities in Ireland issued an alert, urging passengers who traveled on the flight to contact the Health Service Executive (HSE) office. They instructed passengers to stay at home in a separate room and seek medical help if they display symptoms, which include a runny nose, red sore eyes, rashes around the neck, and a high fever.

According to the World Health Organization, measles, which primarily affects children, is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles vaccination prevented 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021.

A spokesperson for Etihad Airways confirmed that a passenger traveling on Saturday on flight EY045 from Abu Dhabi to the Irish capital Dublin tested positive for measles.

“Etihad Airways has been informed by health authorities in Ireland that a passenger has tested positive for measles after the arrival of flight EY045 from Abu Dhabi to Dublin on March 9, 2024. Etihad Airways is following procedures and guidelines specified by the relevant health authorities and as per government guidelines, all close contact tracing will be carried out by the respective authority,” the spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

This marks the third case reported in Ireland so far this year. According to an Etihad Airways spokesperson, the airline prioritizes the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew above all else.

Signs and symptoms of measles:

• Symptoms usually begin 10-14 days after exposure to the virus
• A prominent rash is the most common visible symptom
• The rash begins about 7-18 days after exposure
• The rash usually begins on the face, upper neck
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• Early symptoms usually last 4-7 days
• Running nose
• Cough
• Red and watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the cheeks
• Complications
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• Blindness
• Severe diarrhoea
• Ear infection
• Breathing problems including pneumonia

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