SA Health has been informed of a case of measles in an infant who has not recently travelled. The infant visited the following South Australian locations while infectious and people in these settings at the specified times may have been exposed and therefore may be at risk of developing measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
- Lyell McEwin Emergency Department, Sunday 8 March, 11:00am to 12:15pm
- Lyell McEwin Paediatric Emergency, Sunday 8 March, 11:30am to 1:00pm
- Reception classroom area stage 1, link area, and the hub of the Lynn Martin Building, Xavier College Two Wells, 1 Benjamin Franklin Boulevard, Two Wells, Tuesday 3 March, 8:15am to 9:15am and 2:45pm to 3:45pm.
- CMI Toyota Adelaide, 152 West Terrace, Adelaide, Monday 2 March, 8:00am to 9:45am, and 12:45pm to 2:00pm
- Froth and Fodder Café, Unit 1, 41 Mortimer Street, Kurralta Park, Monday 2 March, 9:15am to 10:30am
- Jai Shiv Fruit and Veg Shop, 489 Marion Road, South Plympton, Monday 2 March, 10:00am to 11:00am
SA Health advises anyone who isn't fully immunised, and was in the locations at the times listed above, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.
Measles is a highly contagious serious infection which can be associated with complications which can be severe including pneumonia and encephalitis.
Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.
It is very important that people suspecting measles phone their doctor before any visit and mention why they are attending, so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.
This is the third case of measles notified in South Australia. There were seven cases of measles notified in South Australia last year.
The best way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection. Measles vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program for children at 12 months and 18 months of age.
South Australia now funds measles vaccine for adults born during or after 1966 who have not received two doses, and children aged six months to less than 12 months who are travelling overseas. All South Australians are encouraged to check their vaccination records, and request the vaccine, if there is no record of them receiving two doses, and they were born in Australia during or after 1966.
Most people born in Australia before 1966 will have had measles in childhood and be immune (unless immunosuppressed).
