Released 18/12/2018
ACT Public Health Physician Dr Kerryn Coleman, is alerting the community to be aware of measles symptoms following confirmation of a case of measles in the ACT.
Dr Coleman said the individual had likely acquired the infection on a recent overseas trip, prompting a reminder to those travelling overseas over the holiday period to make sure they are vaccinated.
“ACT Health is currently investigating a case of measles and can confirm no further cases linked to this one has been notified to date,” Dr Coleman said.
“As part of our investigations, we are following-up identified contacts in line with national guidelines. The case attended the following public venues while infectious:
Monday 10 December 2018
- The UNITE 2018 – Syro Malabar National Youth Conference at Philip Island Adventure Resort, Cowes, VICTORIA
Tuesday 11 December 2018
- Tiger Air Flight TT665 from Melbourne (departed 11.30am) to Canberra (landed 12.30pm)
- Melbourne Domestic (9am to 12pm) and Canberra Airports (12.30pm to 2pm)
Wednesday 12 December 2018
- Spice World, Colbee Court, Phillip ACT (afternoon/evening)
Thursday 13 December 2018
- Woolworths, Westfield Woden Shopping Centre, Phillip ACT (morning)
“People who attended these sites at these times should be aware of symptoms of measles from now until Friday 4 January 2019. These may include fever, tiredness, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, followed by a rash which appears 2-7 days later,” Dr Coleman said.
“Anyone with symptoms of measles should seek medical advice, advising their health care provider before they arrive so that appropriate infection control precautions can be put in place to stop the spread of the infection.”
People generally develop symptoms 7-18 days after being exposed to a person with infectious measles, with 10 days being more common. People are infectious from 4 days before they develop a rash until 4 days after.
“Measles is a serious disease and is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised,” Dr Coleman said.
“The virus is spread from an infectious person during coughing and sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
“Whenever a case of measles is identified in our community, it is a strong reminder that the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles is vaccination.
"Two doses of Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine (MMR) are required for immunity against measles and are given to children in Australia at 12 and 18 months of age. However, the vaccine can be given at any age after 9 months.
“With many travelling over the holiday period in the next few weeks, we are encouraging people to check their immunisation status and get up to date if needed before travelling,” Dr Coleman said.
For further information about measles, visit the ACT Health website at: https://www.health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-09/Measles.pdf
Media interviews:
Dr Kerryn Coleman will be available at 12 noon today (Tuesday 18 December) for media interviews at the ACT Health Directorate (6 Bowes Street, Phillip). Please contact the ACT Health Media Team for further information.
- Statement ends -
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