Are you at risk? Health officials warn tourists after infected man visits popular Aussie destinations
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If you’ve been travelling around lately, there’s a new health alert you should be aware of.
Authorities are urging caution after a recent case of measles was linked to multiple locations across the region, raising concerns about possible exposure.
Could some of the places you’ve been be on the list?
Suppose you’ve enjoyed the wonders of the Northern Territory recently. In that case, it’s time to note that health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a man infected with measles visited several of the region’s most popular tourist spots.
'The NT Centre for Disease Control is urging Territorians to be alert following confirmation of a measles case who travelled through Darwin and Alice Springs while infectious,' it said.
The unnamed traveller, who is believed to have contracted the highly contagious virus while overseas in Indonesia, spent several days exploring the NT while infectious—potentially exposing locals and fellow tourists to the disease.
According to NT Health, any visitor to the Top End between July 17 and 23 must be alert regarding symptoms of measles. The man visited the following locations:
- Litchfield National Park (full-day tour with Ethical Adventures on July 17)
- Kakadu National Park (overnight trip with AAPT Kings, and dined at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru on July 18 between 6pm and 8pm)
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (July 20, 1pm–3pm)
- Darwin Airport (departed July 20 at 3:30pm on Qantas flight QF1960)
- Alice Springs Airport (arrived July 20 at 7pm)
- Air North flight TL361 from Alice Springs to Cairns (July 23)
If you or someone you know was at any of these locations during the specified times, it’s important to be vigilant for symptoms.
Measles isn’t just a childhood illness—it can affect anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated, and is highly contagious. Symptoms usually appear 7–18 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Sore, red eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough
- A distinctive blotchy red rash (usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body)
If you develop any of these symptoms, especially after being in the listed locations, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to call ahead to your GP or clinic so they can take precautions to protect others.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, remaining a leading cause of death among children below five years old. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Simply being in the same room as someone with measles, even after they’ve left, can be enough to catch it.
While many people recover without complications, measles can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death.
Also read: Measles cases across the country reach highest levels in six years
The good news is that 'Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.' said an NT Health spokesperson.
In Australia, the measles vaccine is given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) combination vaccines. These are part of the National Immunisation Program, with doses recommended at 12 and 18 months of age.
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
According to NT Health, 'The vaccine is safe and effective, and available from your GP, local health centre, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccinating pharmacies.'
For those with grandkids, remember: infants can be vaccinated from six months old if travelling overseas or during an outbreak, but will still need their regular doses at 12 and 18 months.
If you were at any of the listed locations during the relevant times, monitor yourself for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure.
If you feel unwell, especially with fever and rash, contact your doctor or local health service. Remember to call ahead so they can take steps to protect other patients.
Read more: Health officials issue measles warning after visits to public places
Were you in any of these locations during the dates listed? Have you or someone you know ever had measles, or do you have questions about vaccination? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Authorities are urging caution after a recent case of measles was linked to multiple locations across the region, raising concerns about possible exposure.
Could some of the places you’ve been be on the list?
Suppose you’ve enjoyed the wonders of the Northern Territory recently. In that case, it’s time to note that health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a man infected with measles visited several of the region’s most popular tourist spots.
'The NT Centre for Disease Control is urging Territorians to be alert following confirmation of a measles case who travelled through Darwin and Alice Springs while infectious,' it said.
The unnamed traveller, who is believed to have contracted the highly contagious virus while overseas in Indonesia, spent several days exploring the NT while infectious—potentially exposing locals and fellow tourists to the disease.
An urgent public health alert has been issued for the NT after a man with measles, contracted overseas, visited several tourist hotspots while infectious. Image source: 7NEWS Australia.
According to NT Health, any visitor to the Top End between July 17 and 23 must be alert regarding symptoms of measles. The man visited the following locations:
- Litchfield National Park (full-day tour with Ethical Adventures on July 17)
- Kakadu National Park (overnight trip with AAPT Kings, and dined at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru on July 18 between 6pm and 8pm)
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (July 20, 1pm–3pm)
- Darwin Airport (departed July 20 at 3:30pm on Qantas flight QF1960)
- Alice Springs Airport (arrived July 20 at 7pm)
- Air North flight TL361 from Alice Springs to Cairns (July 23)
If you or someone you know was at any of these locations during the specified times, it’s important to be vigilant for symptoms.
Measles isn’t just a childhood illness—it can affect anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated, and is highly contagious. Symptoms usually appear 7–18 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Sore, red eyes
- Runny nose
- Cough
- A distinctive blotchy red rash (usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body)
If you develop any of these symptoms, especially after being in the listed locations, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to call ahead to your GP or clinic so they can take precautions to protect others.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, remaining a leading cause of death among children below five years old. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Simply being in the same room as someone with measles, even after they’ve left, can be enough to catch it.
While many people recover without complications, measles can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death.
Also read: Measles cases across the country reach highest levels in six years
The good news is that 'Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.' said an NT Health spokesperson.
In Australia, the measles vaccine is given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) combination vaccines. These are part of the National Immunisation Program, with doses recommended at 12 and 18 months of age.
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
According to NT Health, 'The vaccine is safe and effective, and available from your GP, local health centre, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccinating pharmacies.'
For those with grandkids, remember: infants can be vaccinated from six months old if travelling overseas or during an outbreak, but will still need their regular doses at 12 and 18 months.
If you were at any of the listed locations during the relevant times, monitor yourself for symptoms for up to 18 days after exposure.
If you feel unwell, especially with fever and rash, contact your doctor or local health service. Remember to call ahead so they can take steps to protect other patients.
Read more: Health officials issue measles warning after visits to public places
Were you in any of these locations during the dates listed? Have you or someone you know ever had measles, or do you have questions about vaccination? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
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