Department of Health
Territorians are being reminded to ensure they are fully immunised against measles before travelling over the school holiday period, as cases continue to occur in Australia and much of the rest of the world.
“No matter where you plan to travel it is important to be immunised against measles, as it is a highly infectious, yet preventable disease,” said Dr Vicki Krause, Director of Centre for Disease Control – Environmental Health, Top End Health Service.
“Unprotected people can become easily infected by simply walking through a shopping centre or airport where someone has the disease – or by sitting next to someone who does not yet have all the symptoms and the rash but is capable of spreading the disease.
“If you have not had two measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines or you are unsure, it is time to get a MMR vaccine. You will be protecting yourself or your children against a serious disease and also protecting those in the community who may not be able to be vaccinated.”
The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash, which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.
Don’t let illness ruin your holiday. Be up to date with your vaccinations. Measles vaccines are FREE.
