Health authorities in South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW) have issued urgent alerts following a potential measles exposure risk at several locations, including Adelaide and Sydney airports. This alert comes after an individual with measles traveled from Adelaide to Sydney, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.
The affected person, who contracted measles overseas, visited multiple public sites while infectious. These locations include the Marion Shopping Centre and a Qantas flight from Adelaide to Sydney on December 29. As a precaution, authorities have released a list of exposure sites and are urging anyone who visited these locations to monitor for symptoms.
Exposure Sites and Public Health Advisory
SA Health has detailed specific times and places where the risk of exposure was highest. The sites include:
- Marion Shopping Centre on December 26 from 7:15pm to 7:55pm and 10:40pm to 11:20pm.
- Event Cinemas Marion on the same day from 7:15pm to 11:10pm.
- Cockles Cafe at Port Elliot on December 28 from 12pm to 1:30pm.
- Adelaide Airport on December 29 from 6:40pm to 8pm.
- Qantas flight QF748 departing Adelaide on December 29 at 7:30pm and arriving in Sydney at 10:30pm.
- Sydney Airport Domestic Arrivals Hall Terminal 3 on December 29 from 10:30pm to 11:00pm.
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital emergency department on January 3 from 1pm to 4:10pm.
NSW Health has advised that anyone present at these locations should remain vigilant for symptoms until mid-January. Specifically, those on the Qantas flight or at the terminal should watch for symptoms until January 16, and those in the hospital’s emergency department should monitor until January 21.
Rising Concerns and Previous Cases
The alert is part of a broader concern as this marks the third measles case in travelers returning to NSW from South-East Asia within a week. According to NSW Health, there have been two other recent measles cases in travelers who visited various locations in northern and western Sydney. Details of these exposure sites are available on the NSW Health website.
“This is the third case of measles in travellers who have returned to NSW in the past week after visiting countries in South-East Asia where there are ongoing outbreaks,” NSW Health stated.
SA Health has emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms develop. However, they advise calling ahead to healthcare providers to prevent further spread of the disease.
Global and National Measles Trends
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Australian health authorities have recently highlighted a worrying increase in measles cases globally and nationally. Last year, Australia recorded over 160 measles cases, a stark rise from 57 cases the previous year and 26 in 2023. This upward trend has been attributed to declining vaccination rates.
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance noted “concerning and ongoing declines” in childhood vaccination coverage in its annual report.
SA Health reported seven measles cases in the state last year. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash starting on the head and spreading down the body.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination
Health authorities continue to stress the importance of vaccination as the most effective measure against measles. They recommend two doses of the vaccine to ensure optimal protection.
“The best way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection,” SA Health advised.
This development underscores the critical need for public awareness and vaccination to prevent further outbreaks. As authorities monitor the situation, individuals are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
