The Department of Health in Western Australia is warning travelers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before heading overseas during the upcoming school holidays. The alert follows the confirmation of two new measles cases in the state, which has now reported a total of 35 cases this year. These latest infections are linked to travel to Bali, Indonesia, and the affected individuals visited several venues in Perth while contagious.
Health authorities have updated their website with new exposure locations. Individuals who have visited these sites during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms indicative of measles.
Vaccination Recommendations and Risk Factors
Dr. Clare Huppatz, Acting Director of the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, emphasized that while measles is rare in Australia, several countries are currently experiencing significant outbreaks. “There is an ongoing risk of measles being brought into WA from overseas, especially from popular holiday destinations such as south-east Asia,” she stated.
Vaccination against measles is particularly crucial for anyone planning to travel. The MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is highly effective and available free of charge to all Western Australians. The Department of Health recommends that travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine, ideally at least two weeks prior to departure.
For infants aged between 6 and 11 months who are traveling to countries with high measles activity, WA Health has expanded its state-funded immunisation program to include an additional dose of the MMR vaccine. However, infants who receive this early dose will still require the two standard doses offered as part of the National Immunisation Program after they reach 12 months of age.
Adults between 30 and 60 years should also consider vaccination if they lack evidence of receiving two doses of the measles vaccine. Anyone who is not immune remains at risk of contracting the disease upon exposure.
Understanding Measles Symptoms and Precautions
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a distinctive red rash that usually starts on the face and head before spreading across the body.
Individuals returning from international travel who develop measles symptoms should contact their general practitioner immediately to arrange for testing and medical care. It is crucial for them to call ahead to discuss their symptoms and to wear a mask to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others.
For further information and advice, individuals can contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222. Additional details regarding measles and vaccination locations can be found on the HealthyWA website.
As international travel resumes, health officials stress the importance of vaccination to protect both individual and public health against outbreaks of measles.
