NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Department of Health, Western Australia reports a case of measles in a returned overseas traveller – the first case reported in Western Australia in more than three years.

Several countries around the world are experiencing measles outbreaks. People travelling to these countries are at risk if they do not have immunity to the measles virus.

Exposure locations

Be vigilant for symptoms if you visited the following locations on the days/times listed.

Date Time Location Address
Wednesday April 12 11.00am – 12.00pm Priceline Pharmacy 24 Rokeby Rd, Subiaco
Tuesday April 11 2.30pm 950 bus: Unihall (UWA) to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station
Monday April 10 10.30pm Train: Perth to Subiaco station
Monday April 10 2.45pm Train: Subiaco to Perth station
Monday April 10 12.00pm – 2.15pm Atlas Food and Coffee 1238 Hay St, West Perth
Monday April 10 10.45am Train: Subiaco to City West station
Sunday April 9 10.30pm Train: Perth to Subiaco station
Sunday April 9 2.45pm Train: Subiaco to Perth Station
Saturday April 8 10.00pm – 1.30am Sunday April 9 Connections Night Club 81 James St, Northbridge
Saturday April 8 9.30pm Train: Subiaco to Perth station
Saturday April 8 3.20pm Train: Mosman Park to Subiaco station
Saturday April 8 2.10pm Train: Subiaco to Mosman park station
Saturday April 8 9;00am – 10.00am Woolworths Subiaco 29 Station St, Subiaco
Friday April 7 10.30pm Train: Perth to Subiaco station
Friday April 7 2.45pm Train: Subiaco to Perth station

Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms of measles should be tested and the Department of Health notified. If you have travelled overseas or visited any of the areas listed above and are not immune to measles (i.e. are not fully vaccinated against measles and have not had measles previously), be vigilant.

Who is at risk?

Image/CDC

Anyone born in or since 1966 and who does not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of contracting measles.

Unvaccinated babies are at particularly high risk of contracting measles. Babies as young as six months can receive a free measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to travel overseas to countries where measles is prevalent, or where measles outbreaks are occurring.

The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given at 12 months as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. If a baby receives an early dose of MMR vaccine (eg at eight months) prior to travelling overseas, they must still receive their routine 12-month and 18-months doses in line with the NIP schedule.

Those at risk of severe illness from measles include immunocompromised people, young children and pregnant women.

Symptoms and transmission

The first symptoms of measles are:

  • fever
  • tiredness
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore red eyes.

These symptoms usually last for a few days before a red blotchy rash appears. The rash normally starts on the face before spreading down to the body and usually lasts for four to seven days.

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Some measles cases involve complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis and many people with measles end up in hospital.

Measles is highly infectious and can spread via airborne droplets to people close by (eg in waiting rooms). It can last in the environment for up to two hours.

People with measles are usually infectious from two to four days before their symptoms start and up to four days after their rash appears.

Recommendations

General public

If you attended the exposure sites during the listed dates and times you may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms.

People with measles typically develop symptoms around 10 days after being exposed to the virus, but this can vary from seven to 18 days. The rash usually appears four to five days after symptoms start to show.

Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should put on a mask and seek medical care. Before visiting a general practice clinic or emergency department, it is important to call ahead to let them know you may have measles, so they can isolate you when you arrive to prevent spread to other patients or staff.

If you are concerned you may have measles and require medical advice after hours contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

It is important to stay up to date with your vaccinations. People born in or after 1966 should make sure they have had two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine at some stage in their life.

Anyone planning overseas travel should see their general practitioner or a travel doctor to discuss appropriate vaccinations prior to travel.