Cities across Australia are on high alert for measles following confirmed cases in New South Wales (NSW), South Australia, and Western Australia (WA). A measles alert was issued for Sydney after a confirmed case returned from several countries, including Vietnam, where measles outbreaks are currently ongoing.
The individual in question flew from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on March 19 and visited several locations upon arrival, including Sydney Airport and areas in western NSW. According to NSW Health, the individual arrived on Jetstar Flight JQ62, which departed Ho Chi Minh City at 10:30 PM on March 18, reaching Sydney at 10:50 AM on March 19.
Upon returning, the individual traveled to Parkes, prompting health officials to issue advisories for anyone who visited these locations to monitor for symptoms. On March 27, SA Health also issued a warning after a man in his 40s was exposed to measles while traveling interstate.
In WA, another case was identified at Bunbury Regional Hospital, marking the first case reported outside the Perth metropolitan area this year. This has raised concerns as health officials scramble to manage exposure sites and trace contacts.
Dr. Victor Carey, a public health physician with the Western NSW Local Health District, emphasized the importance of vigilance: "It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms." He added that symptoms to watch for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and cough, which are usually followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
NSW Health has urged the public to ensure they are protected against measles, labeling it as "highly infectious." Dr. Carey remarked, "We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough." He noted that this situation serves as a critical reminder for everyone to verify their measles vaccination status.
Health officials have provided a detailed list of exposure sites linked to the cases. For the NSW case, exposure locations include:
- Wednesday, March 19: Jetstar Flight JQ62, Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal, and baggage claim from 11 AM to 12 PM.
- Friday, March 21: Ochre Medical Centre Parkes from 10:15 AM to 11:15 AM.
- Monday, March 24: Parkes Health Service Emergency Department from 12 PM to 7 PM.
In South Australia, the exposure sites for the confirmed case include:
- Wednesday, March 19: The Fotobase Group, Clarence Gardens, from 7:15 AM to 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM to 6 PM.
- Thursday, March 20: Flight QF670 from Adelaide to Melbourne, departing at 5:50 AM.
- Friday, March 21: Adelaide Airport from 6:40 PM to 7:30 PM, including the QANTAS lounge.
- Saturday, March 22: Various locations including BFT Gym and MASA Martial Arts Academy.
- Sunday, March 23: Coles Parkholme from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
- Monday, March 24: Glengowrie Medical Centre from 12 PM to 12:50 PM.
- Wednesday, March 26: Westminster School Sports Day from 10 AM to 11:15 AM and 2 PM to 3:15 PM.
WA's exposure sites include a range of locations where the measles case was confirmed:
- Wednesday, March 12: Chargrill Masters, Belmont from 8 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Thursday, March 13: Nova Medical Centre from 1 PM to 2 PM and Harvey Norman from 3 PM to 4:30 PM.
- Saturday, March 15: Baby Steps Health Centre from 10:30 AM to 12 PM and Coles, Subiaco from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM.
- Sunday, March 16: Beeliar Medicare Urgent Care Clinic from 2 PM to 3:30 PM.
- Monday, March 17: Good Egg Café, Busselton from 9 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Tuesday, March 18: Woolworths in Dalyellup from 2 PM to 3 PM.
- Wednesday, March 19: Bahlu Coffee and Acai Bar, Bunbury from 9 AM to 9:40 AM.
Dr. Paul Effler, acting director of the communicable disease control directorate, indicated that contact tracing and infection control measures are already in effect. He stressed the importance of monitoring for symptoms, particularly for those under 60 who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine. "It is important that anyone who visited Bunbury Regional Hospital between March 19 and 23 should monitor for symptoms, particularly fever and respiratory illness," Dr. Effler advised.
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral illness that spreads through tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically appears three or four days later.
As the situation evolves, health officials continue to urge the community to check their immunization status, especially for those planning to travel internationally, as measles outbreaks are occurring in various countries worldwide. For anyone concerned they may have been exposed to measles, contacting health services is strongly recommended.
