South Australian health authorities have delivered an urgent warning to parents about measles exposure sites after a one-year-old baby tested positive for the highly contagious disease.
SA Health said the baby recently returned from overseas and was in a stable condition in hospital.
Several exposures sites around Adelaide have been identified, and parents warned to be alert for measles symptoms in their children after visiting these areas.
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- Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, on Saturday 15 June from 1.45am to 3.20am
- Premium Care Medical Practice, Shop 105B Hollywood Plaza, Salisbury Downs, on Wednesday 12 June from 5-6pm and Friday 14 June from 2-3pm
- Benson Radiology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday 13 June from 2pm to 3.15pm
- SA Pathology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday 13 June from 3-4pm
- Adelaide Airport, on Tuesday 11 June from 11.30pm to Wednesday 12 June 12.30am
- Flight QF749 from Sydney to Adelaide, on Tuesday 11 June
- Flight EK416 Dubai to Sydney, arriving on Tuesday 11 June
Measles symptoms 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.
The one-year-old case is the sixth case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to three at the same time last year.
SA Health said most cases were from overseas visitors who did not have two doses of the measles vaccine.
“The easiest way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection. Measles vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and 18 months of age,” a spokesperson said.
“Infants travelling overseas to countries where measles is endemic or where outbreaks are occurring can receive the measles vaccine from six months of age after an individual risk assessment, however, if given prior to 11 months of age two further doses of measles vaccine are required for protection,” they said.
SA Health advises patients who suspect they have the disease to call their doctor before an appointment, so precautions can be taken to prevent spreading the illness.
Pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised who were at the exposure sites are being encouraged to speak to their doctor about post-exposure prophylaxis treatment within six days of being exposed.