Airport alert raised as infectious disease spreads via Qantas passenger
- Replies 11
Measles has reared its ugly head again in Australia, with a recent case highlighting how the highly contagious virus can quickly spread across borders.
NSW Health has issued a warning for airline passengers to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles.
This alert comes in response to an incident where an individual who had contracted measles in Africa was found to be infectious during their international flight to Sydney.
Passengers aboard Qantas flight QF128 from Hong Kong to Sydney, which arrived at 7 am on Monday, and anyone in the baggage claim or arrivals area that morning, are advised to be extra cautious and watch for any signs of measles symptoms.
Dr Sean Tobin, the Associate Director of the Northern Sydney Public Health Unit, has advised individuals who might be at risk of contracting measles and who were either on the flight or present at the airport to remain vigilant for symptoms until October 20.
This extended period is necessary because of the time it takes for symptoms to manifest, known as the incubation period.
According to Dr Tobin, those most susceptible to measles include:
This news comes after WA Health issued a measles alert after an infected traveller returned from Bali and frequented multiple locations in the state.
The infected individual visited a local Bunnings, a grocery store and a pub in the mid-west over two weeks.
For more information on this story, read the full article here.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a distinctive red rash all over the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so anyone nearby is at risk of infection.
Measles was widespread among children in the past, especially for those born before 1966, as they were infected with the measles virus during their childhood.
Fortunately, due to successful vaccination programs, measles has become rare in Australia. Nevertheless, in many parts of the world, measles remains a prevalent disease, and outbreaks still happen.
When people travel from these areas to Australia or when Australians travel abroad and return, they can bring the measles virus back with them, potentially causing outbreaks in communities.
This underscores the importance of getting vaccinated against measles, as it not only safeguards you but also protects your entire community.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically starts with a few initial signs like fever, fatigue, cough, a runny nose, sore, red eyes, and an overall feeling of being unwell.
After a few days, you'll notice a distinct rash appearing. It begins on the face and then spreads down the body, sticking around for 4 to 7 days. It's important to mention that this rash doesn't itch.
In some cases, especially among young children, diarrhea may also occur.
The symptoms of measles usually show up about ten days after you've been exposed to the virus. However, they can appear anywhere from as few as seven days to as many as 18 days after exposure.
How does measles spread?
Measles commonly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny airborne droplets that contain the measles virus. This makes measles one of the most contagious human infections out there.
You don't even need to be in direct contact with the infected person; just sharing a room with them can lead to infection.
People with measles can transmit the virus to others just before their symptoms start until about four days after the rash appears.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative, members! Have you heard of measles cases near you? What are you doing to stay protected? Let us know in the comments below.
NSW Health has issued a warning for airline passengers to remain vigilant for symptoms of measles.
This alert comes in response to an incident where an individual who had contracted measles in Africa was found to be infectious during their international flight to Sydney.
Passengers aboard Qantas flight QF128 from Hong Kong to Sydney, which arrived at 7 am on Monday, and anyone in the baggage claim or arrivals area that morning, are advised to be extra cautious and watch for any signs of measles symptoms.
NSW Health alerts airline passengers to watch for measles symptoms following an infected traveller's arrival in Sydney from abroad. Credit: Unsplash/CHUTTERSNAP.
Dr Sean Tobin, the Associate Director of the Northern Sydney Public Health Unit, has advised individuals who might be at risk of contracting measles and who were either on the flight or present at the airport to remain vigilant for symptoms until October 20.
This extended period is necessary because of the time it takes for symptoms to manifest, known as the incubation period.
According to Dr Tobin, those most susceptible to measles include:
- infants under 12 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated,
- anyone who is not fully vaccinated against the disease,
- older adults,
- and people with a weakened immune system.
This news comes after WA Health issued a measles alert after an infected traveller returned from Bali and frequented multiple locations in the state.
The infected individual visited a local Bunnings, a grocery store and a pub in the mid-west over two weeks.
For more information on this story, read the full article here.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a distinctive red rash all over the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so anyone nearby is at risk of infection.
Measles was widespread among children in the past, especially for those born before 1966, as they were infected with the measles virus during their childhood.
Fortunately, due to successful vaccination programs, measles has become rare in Australia. Nevertheless, in many parts of the world, measles remains a prevalent disease, and outbreaks still happen.
When people travel from these areas to Australia or when Australians travel abroad and return, they can bring the measles virus back with them, potentially causing outbreaks in communities.
This underscores the importance of getting vaccinated against measles, as it not only safeguards you but also protects your entire community.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically starts with a few initial signs like fever, fatigue, cough, a runny nose, sore, red eyes, and an overall feeling of being unwell.
After a few days, you'll notice a distinct rash appearing. It begins on the face and then spreads down the body, sticking around for 4 to 7 days. It's important to mention that this rash doesn't itch.
In some cases, especially among young children, diarrhea may also occur.
The symptoms of measles usually show up about ten days after you've been exposed to the virus. However, they can appear anywhere from as few as seven days to as many as 18 days after exposure.
How does measles spread?
Measles commonly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny airborne droplets that contain the measles virus. This makes measles one of the most contagious human infections out there.
You don't even need to be in direct contact with the infected person; just sharing a room with them can lead to infection.
People with measles can transmit the virus to others just before their symptoms start until about four days after the rash appears.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative, members! Have you heard of measles cases near you? What are you doing to stay protected? Let us know in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
