Travel trouble: Measles scare in Aussie state after overseas trip highlights vaccination gaps
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In an age when international travel has become more accessible than ever, the risk of global disease transmission is a pressing concern, particularly for those who have not been fully vaccinated.
This has been highlighted by an urgent health advisory issued following the diagnosis of a serious infectious disease in a young child who recently returned from overseas travel.
The situation underscores the critical role of public health measures in preventing the spread of contagious illnesses within the community.
Health authorities sounded the alarm after a recent health scare in Adelaide, where a one-year-old boy was diagnosed with measles after returning from an overseas trip with his family.
The boy—now in stable condition—and his family arrived in Sydney from Dubai on flight EK416 on June 11 and subsequently travelled to Adelaide on flight QF749.
He was at Adelaide Airport on June 11, then went to SA Pathology and the Benson Radiology clinic at Modbury Hospital on June 13.
The boy visited a Salisbury Downs surgery on June 14 and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on June 15.
According to a statement released by SA Health, ‘SA Health advises anyone who isn’t fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed below, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.’
SA Health urged anyone who was present at these locations to be alert for measles symptoms over the next few weeks:
The symptoms of measles can include a cough, high fever, runny nose, and a large rash that spreads across the body.
Due to the highly infectious nature of measles, it is crucial for those who are not fully immunised to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention if they exhibit any signs of the disease.
Measles is a disease that once led to major epidemics every two to three years and caused 2.6 million deaths each year before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963.
However, complacency can lead to a resurgence, as evidenced by the six recorded cases in South Australia this year, compared to only three last year.
Most cases in Australia are linked to international visitors or returning residents who have not received two doses of the vaccine.
The recent measles diagnosis in Adelaide is not an isolated incident.
Just last month, Melbourne Airport experienced a similar health scare when another case of measles was reported, triggering yet another urgent health alert.
This back-to-back occurrence highlights the persistent threat of measles. It underscores the importance of vigilance and timely medical intervention to prevent the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
Have you or your loved ones been affected by the recent measles warning? Do you have concerns about vaccination? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your experiences and thoughts with our community.
This has been highlighted by an urgent health advisory issued following the diagnosis of a serious infectious disease in a young child who recently returned from overseas travel.
The situation underscores the critical role of public health measures in preventing the spread of contagious illnesses within the community.
Health authorities sounded the alarm after a recent health scare in Adelaide, where a one-year-old boy was diagnosed with measles after returning from an overseas trip with his family.
The boy—now in stable condition—and his family arrived in Sydney from Dubai on flight EK416 on June 11 and subsequently travelled to Adelaide on flight QF749.
Health authorities issued an urgent measles alert after a one-year-old Adelaide boy contracted the disease post-overseas travel. Credit: Unsplash
He was at Adelaide Airport on June 11, then went to SA Pathology and the Benson Radiology clinic at Modbury Hospital on June 13.
The boy visited a Salisbury Downs surgery on June 14 and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on June 15.
According to a statement released by SA Health, ‘SA Health advises anyone who isn’t fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed below, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.’
SA Health urged anyone who was present at these locations to be alert for measles symptoms over the next few weeks:
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, on Saturday, June 15, from 1:45 AM to 3:20 AM
- Premium Care Medical Practice, Shop 105B Hollywood Plaza, Salisbury Downs, on Wednesday, June 12, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Friday, June 14, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Benson Radiology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday, June 13, from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM
- SA Pathology, located in Modbury Hospital, on Thursday, June 13, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Adelaide Airport, on Tuesday, June 11, from 11:30 PM to Wednesday, June 12 at 12:30 AM
- Flight QF749 from Sydney to Adelaide on Tuesday, June 11
- Flight EK416 Dubai to Sydney, arriving on Tuesday, June 11
The symptoms of measles can include a cough, high fever, runny nose, and a large rash that spreads across the body.
Due to the highly infectious nature of measles, it is crucial for those who are not fully immunised to monitor their health closely and seek medical attention if they exhibit any signs of the disease.
Measles is a disease that once led to major epidemics every two to three years and caused 2.6 million deaths each year before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963.
However, complacency can lead to a resurgence, as evidenced by the six recorded cases in South Australia this year, compared to only three last year.
Most cases in Australia are linked to international visitors or returning residents who have not received two doses of the vaccine.
The recent measles diagnosis in Adelaide is not an isolated incident.
Just last month, Melbourne Airport experienced a similar health scare when another case of measles was reported, triggering yet another urgent health alert.
This back-to-back occurrence highlights the persistent threat of measles. It underscores the importance of vigilance and timely medical intervention to prevent the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
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