Alert on list of sites visited by an infant now in hospital with measles

An infant is now in hospital with measles and was taken to multiple shopping venues before being diagnosed, triggering an SA Health alert.

An infant with measles is now in a stable condition in hospital and has triggered a health alert for multiple sites visited including several shopping areas.

The child from metropolitan South Australia recently returned from overseas in early March, but was not infectious during the flight to Australia.

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.

A typical measles rash. Picture: Victoria Department of Health

Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.

When measles is suspected, people should phone their doctor before any visit and mention why they are attending so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.

This is the second case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to one case at the same time last year. A total of three cases were recorded in 2023.

Most measles cases in Australia occur in overseas visitors and returning residents who did not have two doses of the measles vaccine.

Measles vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and 18 months of age.