MEASLES ALERT

Thursday, 7 March 2019

Territorians are being warned to be alert for measles and get immunised if required, following confirmation of two cases of this highly contagious disease in Darwin. 

“The first case was in a Darwin resident who caught the illness while holidaying in Vietnam, while the second case was acquired from the first. This means there is likely to be people with symptoms of measles in Darwin from today for the next three weeks,” said Dr Peter Markey, Acting Director of the Centre for Disease Control.

“The first case attended Palmerston Regional Hospital on 15 and 17 February and people exposed at that time who are not immune may have symptoms over the next few days.”

The second case attended Top End Medical Centre in Stuart Park on Sunday 3 March and Tuesday 5 March and then Palmerston Regional Hospital on 5 March. Those exposed at this time who are not immune may get symptoms from 10 March. 

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is contacting people who may have had contact with these cases to provide information and offer preventive treatment or booster immunisation as appropriate. 

“To be immune to measles 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 months and at 18 months, but people born between 1966 and 1996 may have only had one dose as a child and should check their record. If uncertain, an extra vaccine is recommended,” Dr Markey said.

“It is reassuring that we have a well-vaccinated population, however this is a timely reminder for all people to review their immunisation status and attend their local community care centre or their GP for their free immunisation if required.”

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing and sneezing. It can be caught in public places such as shopping centres and waiting rooms. The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.  

It is very important to call the medical practice first if you think you might have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid you spreading it to others.”

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. 

Website: https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/viral/measles

Media contact: Tess Nekrasov 0427 596 954

Note: Dr Markey will be available to speak to the media at 3pm TODAY, 7 March 2019 outside the Centre for Disease Control, Building 4, Royal Darwin Hospital