Fourth and fifth measles cases in South Australia identified

The state’s measles outbreak that started with an infant now stands at five. See the full list of exposure sites visited by earlier cases.

This article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Get full digital access to trusted news from The Advertiser with our great introductory offer.

Two more measles cases have been identified as a small outbreak triggered by an infant grows but both were household contacts of the case reported on April 4 and there are no new exposure sites to add to the earlier list.

A male teenager and a male in his 20s from metropolitan Adelaide had both been isolating at home.

These are the fourth and fifth case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to three cases 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.

The first measles case this year was in infant from metropolitan Adelaide who had returned from overseas in early March.

The second case was a 17-year-old male from metropolitan Adelaide who was exposed to the measles case in the infant.

A third case was reported on April 4 of a person who was a contact of the second case, and the cascade has continued with the latest two cases but no other cases have been reported from community contact.

A typical measles rash. Picture: File / iStock

Measles exposure sites

Public exposure sites for the previous cases are:

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital ED on Wednesday April 3, 10am to 10.45am.

• Norwood Total GP Care, Como Shopping Centre Level 1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Tuesday April 2, 3.15pm to 4.45pm and 6pm to 7.15pm.

• Rio Coffee, 22 Nelson Street, Stepney on Thursday March 28, 10am to 11.30am.

• St Ignatius College, 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone on Thursday March 28, 1pm to 4pm.

• Campbelltown Soccer Club, 72 Stradbroke Road, Newton on Thursday March 28, 6.30pm to 7.45pm.

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital ED on Saturday March 23, 5.30am to 6.15am.

• Norwood Total GP Care, Como Shopping Centre Level 1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Friday March 22,11.30am to 2pm.

• Norwood Parade between Edward and George streets, Norwood on Friday March 22, 11.45am to 12.45pm.

• Kmart Firle Plaza on Friday March 22 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

• Adelaide Airport on Friday March 22, 5.30pm to 6.15pm.

• Woolworths Supermarket, Walkerville on Thursday March 21, 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

• Bunnings Prospect on Wednesday March 20, 10am to 11.30am.

• Next Generation Gym Memorial Drive, North Adelaide on Tuesday March 19, 3.30pm to 5.15pm.

• Exchange Coffee 12-18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide on Sunday March 17, 11am to 1pm.

• State Library, North Terrace, on Sunday March 17, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

• Rundle Mall on Sunday March 17 from 2pm to 3pm.

• Hey Jupiter, Ebenezer Place, Adelaide on Sunday March 17, 2.30pm to 4pm.

• Down the Rabbit Hole Winery, 233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale on Saturday March 16, 2pm to 4pm.

• Oscar Wylee, Rundle Mall on Friday March 15, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Bailey Nelson, Rundle Mall on Friday March 15, 7pm to 8pm.

• Gunbae, 11-29 Union St, Adelaide on Friday March 15, 7.45pm to 9pm.

• Natural Wonders Light Show, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide on Friday March 15, 8.45pm to 10.15pm.

Symptoms of measles

Measles is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease. SA Health advises anyone who isn’t fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations associated with previous cases at the times listed, should remain alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.

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, it is important to phone the doctor before any visit and mention why you are attending, so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.

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