Canberra Hospital’s emergency department was visited by a positive measles case last weekend. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
A Murrays Express bus and the Canberra Hospital emergency department are exposure sites following a confirmed case of measles.
It’s believed there’s limited risk to the public; however, Canberrans have been urged to check their vaccination status.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said the infected person had likely acquired measles on a recent overseas trip.
“ACT Health is currently investigating a case of measles and can confirm, at this time, there have been no further linked cases,” she said.
The individual travelled from Sydney International Airport to Canberra on a Murrays Express bus at around 10:30 am on Saturday, 20 January.
They also attended the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department between 4 pm on Sunday, 21 January, and 1:10 pm on Monday, 22 January.
Potential contacts of the case who are at higher risk of infection are being identified and contacted, as part of national guidelines.
“The people we have contacted are being asked to remain alert for signs and symptoms of measles and to make sure they have been vaccinated or get vaccinated as soon as possible for the best protection,” Dr Coleman said.
People who have been identified as potential contacts will receive a message and are being asked to contact ACT Health if:
- they have a weakened immune system (for example, are receiving treatment for cancer or taking a high-dose steroid medication)
- are unvaccinated against measles and pregnant
- have an unvaccinated child under 18 months
Those who develop symptoms of measles should seek medical advice, letting their healthcare provider know before they arrive so that appropriate infection control precautions can be taken to stop the spread of the infection.
Symptoms of measles may include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, cough and rash.
People generally develop symptoms 7-18 days after being exposed, with 10 days being the most common.
The virus is spread from an infectious person during coughing or sneezing, or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.
“Measles is a serious disease and is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised,” Dr Coleman said.
“Whenever a case of measles is identified in our community, it is a strong reminder that the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles is vaccination.”
Two doses of the Measles Mumps rubella vaccine (MMR) are needed for immunity against measles, and are given to children in Australia at 12 and 18 months of age.
You can check your vaccination history using the MyGov app.
“If you’re not sure if you’ve received two doses of the vaccine, there’s no harm in getting a third dose to make sure you have the best protection from measles,” Dr Coleman advised.
Anyone born on or after 1966, and who has not previously received two measles containing vaccines, should speak to their GP or a pharmacist for advice.
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