SA Health has been notified of a case of measles in a 1 year-old male from metropolitan Adelaide, who has recently returned from overseas and is currently in a stable condition in hospital.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease. SA Health advises anyone who isn’t fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed below, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, on Saturday 15 June from 1:45am to 3:20am
- Premium Care Medical Practice, Shop 105B HollywoodPlaza, Salisbury Downs, on Wednesday 12 June from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and Friday 14 June from 2:00pm to 3:00pm
- Benson Radiology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday 13 June from 2:00pm to 3:15pm
- SA Pathology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday 13 June from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
- Adelaide Airport, on Tuesday 11 June from 11:30pm to Wednesday 12 June 12:30am
- Flight QF749 from Sydney to Adelaide, on Tuesday 11 June
- FlightEK416 Dubai to Sydney, arriving on Tuesday 11 June
Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.
When measles is suspected, it is very important that people phone their doctor before any visit and mention why they are attending, so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.
This is the sixth case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to three cases at the same time last year. A total of three cases were recorded in 2023.
Most measles cases in Australia occur in overseas visitors and returning residents who did not have two doses of the measles vaccine. The easiest way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection. Measles vaccination is on the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Immunisation Program at 12 months and 18 months of age.
People intending to travel overseas are encouraged to check their vaccination records, and request the vaccine, if there is no record of them receiving two doses, and they were born in Australia after or during 1966. Infants travelling overseas to countries where measles is endemic or where outbreaks are occurring can receive the measles vaccine from six months of age after an individual risk assessment, however, if given prior to 11 months of age two further doses of measles vaccine are required for protection.
Anyone who was at the locations and is significantly immunocompromised, or anyone who is pregnant and not fully immunised, may benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis treatment within 6 days of exposure. Speak to your doctor if you think this may apply to you.
