Wednesday 3 February 2010
Territorians are being asked to be alert for measles after it was confirmed that an infectious person passed though Darwin Airport last week.
The infectious person travelled on Jetstar JQ74 from Ho Chi Minh City departing 25 January and arriving at 0600 on 26 January, then continued on to Sydney on the same flight leaving Darwin at 0715.
Centre for Disease Control Director Vicki Krause said that passengers sitting near the infected person on the flights in and out of Darwin have been contacted and, if not immune to measles, have been offered preventative treatment.
"However, there is still a small risk that other passengers and visitors to the airport may have been exposed," said Dr Krause.
"Measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing, sneezing," she said.
"It can affect all ages but children under 12 months and anyone not immune is at much greater risk. To be immune to measles you need to have either had measles or had two doses of measles vaccine."
Typical symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash appearing three to four days later.
Anyone who may have been exposed and who is experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek health advice from either their local health provider or the Centre for Disease Control.
Those who have symptoms suggestive of measles, and intend visiting a healthcare facility, should phone in advance so that arrangements can be made to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
This advice applies until February 19th.
Centre for Disease Control contact details:
Business hours: (08) 8922 8044.
After hours: (08) 8922 8888 and ask for the on-call CDC doctor.
People not vaccinated against measles are urged to seek protection by getting a vaccination at their community health centre (in the NT) or through most General Practitioners.
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Centre_for_Disease_Control/Publications/CDC_Factsheets/index.aspx
Media contacts: 0401 116 203 or 0401 116 144
