Measles Alert Issued in Australia Following Bali-Related Cases
Health authorities in Western Australia and South Australia have issued alerts after multiple measles cases were detected in travellers returning from Bali. The recent incidents highlight the contagious nature of measles and the importance of vaccination for international travellers.
Three measles cases in Perth have been linked to passengers on the same flight from Bali. WA Health confirmed that these travellers were on Jetstar flight JQ108, which departed Perth at approximately 6:30 pm on July 22. The individuals were not travelling together and were seated separately on the plane. One of the infected travellers returned to Perth on Jetstar flight JQ117, arriving at 1:30 am on July 28, and subsequently visited several locations across Perth’s southern suburbs.
Acting Director of Communicable Disease Control, Clare Huppatz, emphasized that measles is highly contagious and can spread easily among those who are not immune. “Anyone who is not immune is at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed,” she said. “Measles can be severe for some people and may require hospitalisation, but it is preventable through vaccination.”
South Australia Health also issued a warning after an Adelaide man was diagnosed with measles following his holiday in Bali, underscoring the wider regional concern.
Public Health Response and Recommendations
Western Australian authorities are actively contacting individuals who may have been exposed at specified locations frequented by the infected traveller. The Department of Health website provides up-to-date lists of exposure sites, and the public is urged to check these regularly.
Dr. Huppatz advised travellers to seek measles vaccination from their general practitioners or pharmacists prior to overseas travel. Early symptoms of measles include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and red or sore eyes, followed by a red, non-itchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads.
“To protect yourself and others, it is important to monitor for symptoms if you have visited the listed exposure locations at the specified times,” Dr. Huppatz added. She noted that a free MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is available for adults who have not been fully vaccinated.
Travel health experts recommend that individuals consult with their healthcare providers or travel doctors to ensure they have appropriate vaccinations before embarking on international trips.
As Australia continues to welcome returning travellers, authorities remind the public that vaccination remains the most effective means to prevent the spread of measles and protect community health.
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