The Western Australia Department of Health issued a measles warning today for travelers on an Air Asia flight from Bali over the weekend after a family of two were infected on the vacation island.

Measles rash Image/CDC
Measles rash
Image/CDC

According to health officials, the family arrived in Perth around midday on Saturday, 20 December on Air Asia flight QZ 548 from Denpasar. People who were on this flight were potentially exposed to these persons while they were infectious, and may be at risk of measles.

In addition, people could have been exposed to measles at the following locations on the recent weekend, at the times indicated:

  • Saturday, 20 December, early afternoon: in the arrival area at Perth Airport international terminal.
  • Saturday, 20 December afternoon, around 4pm to 5pm, in and around:
    • Dan Murphy’s bottleshop in Benningfield Rd, Bull Creek
    • Pharmacy 777, Apsley Rd, Willetton
    • IGA supermarket, Apsley Rd, Willetton
  • Sunday, 21 December, around 9am to 9.30am at Olympic Medical Centre in South St, Canning Vale
  • Sunday, 21 December, around 10am in and around the Emergency Department at Princess Margaret Hospital in Subiaco.

Communicable Disease Control Medical Coordinator Dr Paul Effler said Public Health staff had been directly contacting potentially exposed individuals who could be identified but it was not possible to contact all people who were in the public places listed above.

“Measles is contagious for up to five days before the development of the rash and for four days after the rash starts. Children and adults who have been unwittingly exposed are at risk of developing measles if they are not immune,” Dr Effler said.

“A person is considered immune to measles if they have received two doses of a measles vaccine or were born before 1966.”

Dr Effler said individuals who may have been exposed and who develop a fever with other symptoms—including cough, runny nose or sore red eyes – within the next two weeks, should stay at home and consult their doctor.

“Anyone who thinks they have measles should call ahead and mention their possible contact with measles so they can be isolated when they arrive at the GP surgery or emergency department, to prevent infecting other patients and staff,” Dr Effler said.