Territorians are being warned to be alert for measles and to ensure they are immune, as the second case of measles in two weeks was detected in Darwin.
Acting Director of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Dr Peter Markey, advised that the second case is now isolated but prior to that had visited several public places while infectious. These included the Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department on 11th, 12th and 13th November, Woolworths in Central Darwin on November 11th, 12th and 13th and Centrelink in Knuckey Street on 13th November.
“People not immune to measles who were at these locations on those days would be at risk of contracting the disease,” said Dr Markey.
The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed by a red blotchy rash 3-4 days later.
“People who think they might have measles should seek medical advice but it is important to phone in advance so that arrangements for infection control can be made to prevent the spread of the virus to other people,” he said.
“This case was acquired locally from last week’s case which was acquired in Bali. It is an example of how infectious measles is and how easy it is to catch. If you are not immune to measles you will eventually catch it,” he said.
“We are expecting more cases, don’t let it be you”.
To be immune you need to have had measles previously or have had two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, known as the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The vaccine is given as part of the routine national vaccination schedule at 12 and 18 months. The Northern Territory has a well vaccinated population. However, because of a one-dose vaccination schedule in the 1970s and 80s, some people in the 18-48 year age group may not be immune even if their parents had followed the schedule.
“This latest measles case is a reminder for all people to check their immune status and get vaccinated at their local community care centre or GP if required. The vaccine is free,” Dr Markey said.
“Up to one third of people infected with measles will experience a complication. Complications are more common in young children and adults and include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and may require hospitalisation. Measles infection can be fatal,” Dr Markey said.
More information about measles is available online at: Centre for Disease Control – Measles