The number of measles cases in the Gawler area has grown to six as two additional cases have been reported by South Australia health officials in the past two days.
On Monday, SA Health’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips said a 34 year old female is in a stable condition at home.
“We have been notified that a 34 year old female has contracted measles locally and she is self-quarantining at home to stop the illness spreading to the community,” Professor Phillips said.
Today, Phillips said a 33 year old female is in a stable condition in hospital with confirmed measles, making it the sixth measles case in recent months.
“Measles is highly contagious and can be airborne, so it is easily spread through coughing and sneezing amongst people who are not immunized,” Professor Phillips said.
“Immunization provides the best protection so it’s vital that everyone has two doses of the measles vaccine to protect themselves and the wider community.
“People should look out for the symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which begins on the head and then spreads down the body.”
Today’s case takes the total number of confirmed cases in South Australia this year to 12, compared to four cases for all of 2015.
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