A health scare has been set off in Western Australia as a returning tourist from Bali, who remains unnamed, tested positive for measles. The individual had frequented a hotel and shops while infected, prompting a statewide alert from the Department of Health. Now, health authorities are racing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed, given the tourist’s time spent in the Perth and Midwest regions during the contagious period.

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Jelena Maticevic, Acting Director of Communicable Diseases, emphasized that public health personnel are actively reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

“Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease, and individuals who believe they may have been exposed and subsequently develop measles symptoms should seek immediate medical attention,” Dr. Maticevic advised.

The Department of Health has released a list of exposure sites, urging visitors to remain vigilant for symptoms, despite no ongoing risk at these locations. The listed locations include:

1. Royal Mail Hotel, Meekatharra – Main St, Meekatharra – September 3, 5.45pm to 8pm
2. Spud Shed Kelmscott – 2853 Albany Hwy, Kelmscott – September 11, 12.15pm to 1.15pm
3. Bunnings Armadale – corner Ranford Rd and Armadale Rd – September 11, 12.45pm to 1.30pm

Measles spreads through tiny droplets released when infected individuals cough or sneeze, with initial symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes. Staying vigilant and seeking prompt medical care is crucial if exposure is suspected.

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The onset of measles symptoms often includes a distinctive red, non-itchy rash, usually appearing three to four days after initial symptoms. This rash starts on the face and then spreads to cover the rest of the body. Typically, symptoms manifest within a window of seven to 18 days after exposure.

Despite achieving high vaccine coverage and successfully eliminating measles in Australia two and a half decades ago, health authorities caution that sporadic outbreaks remain a concern. These outbreaks are frequently ignited by overseas travelers returning to their home country.

This serves as a reminder of the global nature of the measles threat. Numerous countries are currently grappling with measles outbreaks, and travelers without immunity are at risk of contracting the virus while abroad and potentially carrying it back to their home country. Vaccination remains a critical measure to safeguard against measles and prevent its resurgence.

In July, the New South Wales (NSW) government issued a vital public health alert when a returning tourist, infected with measles, visited multiple locations in Sydney, including Rose Bay and Randwick. Every instance of measles is regarded as a potential public health emergency across the country due to the risk of local transmission and the potential severity of the disease.

To combat this threat, in most states, individuals born after 1965 who lack evidence of having received two doses of the measles vaccine in the past and are over the age of 16 can obtain government-funded measles vaccinations. These vaccines are readily available through general practitioners (GPs) or at pharmacies, ensuring a proactive approach to measles prevention and safeguarding public health.

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