Measles case passes through Darwin, NT Health issue alert

Territorians have been advised to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after a confirmed case in the greater Darwin region last week.

The case passed through Darwin International Airport twice while infected. Picture: Floss Adams.

Territorians are being urged to be on the alert for signs and symptoms of measles after a confirmed case in the greater Darwin region last week.

On Sunday, NT Health released an alert after it was discovered an adult had travelled through Darwin airport while infectious.

It is understood the case had recently travelled to south-east Asia where measles outbreaks have occurred across multiple countries.

The case attended several locations, including:

Friday 24, January:

- Air North Flight TL160 from Darwin to Cairns (stopover in Gove);

Monday 27, January:

- Air North Flight TL161 from Cairns to Darwin (stopover in Gove);

- Darwin International Airport arrivals and luggage pickup, 4pm - 5pm.

Tuesday 28, January:

- Mckinnon Snack Bar and Takeaway Berrimah, 9am - 9.30am.

Mealese is a highly infectious viral illness which is spread by breathing in the airborne droplets from the coughs and sneezes of people infected with the disease.

A typical measles rash. Picture: File

Starting as a flu-like illness and lasting between two and four days, symptoms include fever, sore or red eyes, runny nose and cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face and neck over the rest of the body.

Due to high levels of immunisation, measles is now uncommon in Australia, with the latest case the seventh travel-associated measles case confirmed in Australia this year.

The most recent case of measles in the Territory was in 2019.

Originally published as Measles case passes through Darwin, NT Health issue alert