A case of measles has been detected in a toddler in regional South Australia

The first SA case of measles since 2019 has been detected in a toddler. SA Health has advised anyone who visited these Murray Bridge and Adelaide locations to monitor for symptoms.

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A case of the measles has been detected in a 3-year-old boy in regional South Australia, the first case in the state since 2019.

It is believed the boy contracted the infection while travelling overseas.

SA Health has advised those who aren’t immunised, or have been to a list of locations in Murray Bridge and Adelaide – listed below – to monitor for symptoms in the next few weeks.

Symptoms can start with sore eyes, fever, cough and runny nose before developing into a blotchy rash.

Those who notice symptoms are urged to contact their doctor before visiting a clinic, to limit the amount of people at risk of infection.

Dr Louise Flood, SA Health disease prevention and control and communicable disease control branch director, said it is important for people to get immunised against measles to provide the best protection.

“It’s vital that everyone makes sure they’ve had two doses of the measles vaccine to protect themselves and the community,” she said.

People are urged to monitor symptoms including a runny nose, sore eyes, cough and fever before it develops into a blotchy rash.

Only four measles cases have been detected in the country this year – with more expected as international travel returns to normal.

Dr Flood said she encourages people travelling overseas to check their vaccination records and request the vaccine if there is no record of them having two doses or if they were born in Australia after or in 1966.

“If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t received two measles vaccines, visit your GP or local council immunisation clinic to obtain measles (MMR) vaccine,” she said.

Dr Flood said, in accordance to the National Immunisation Program, children receive their first vaccination and 12 months and again at 18 months.

“There is no shortage of vaccine for the measles childhood immunisation program,” she said.

Originally published as A case of measles has been detected in a toddler in regional South Australia