SA Health has been notified of a case of measles in a teenager from South Australia. The teenager has been in the following locations while infectious and people in these settings at the specified times may have been exposed and therefore at risk of developing measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
- Brighton Secondary School, 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton, on Thursday 10 September from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm and Wednesday 9 September from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm.
- Adelaide Metro Bus 265 from City to Marion Centre stop 29 to terminus on Thursday 10 September from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
- Adelaide airport on Tuesday 8 September from 7:20 am to 9:30 am.
- Singapore Airlines Flight SQ279 departing Singapore for Adelaide on Monday 7 September at 11:20 pm.
- Singapore Airlines Flight SQ431 departing Maldives for Singapore on Monday 7 September at 1:10 pm.
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 fifth 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.
