Measles case detected in Tasmania for first time in four years after person returned from overseas

A person in their late 20s has tested positive to measles – the first time Tasmania has recorded a case of the illness in four years.

Dr Scott McKeown. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania’s first case of measles in four years has been confirmed in the north of the state, Public Health says.

A person in their late 20s, who recently returned from travelling overseas, tested positive to the illness on Wednesday, February 22. They are currently in isolation at the Launceston General Hospital.

Contact tracers are now working to identify people who might have been exposed to the person during their infectious period.

Dr Scott McKeown Acting Director of Public Health. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The case spent time at the following locations during this period:

• Friday, February 17: Launceston Medical Centre on Wellington Street from 5.40pm-6.15pm; Coles Mowbray on Joffre Street from 6.05pm-6.45pm
• Saturday, February 18: Launceston Respiratory Clinic on Wellington Street from 11.20am-12pm
• Sunday, February 19: Launceston General Hospital emergency department waiting room from 3.12pm-6.35pm

Acting Public Health director Dr Scott McKeown said measles was a highly infectious illness that was rare in Australia but that cases and small outbreaks occasionally occurred.

“People who were present at the … locations during the times listed and have not received two measles-containing vaccines are urged to be alert for measles symptoms for up to 18 days following their exposure,” he said.

“Public Health advises that these locations do not pose an ongoing risk to the public, the risk only remains for up to 30 minutes after the case has left each location.”

Originally published as Measles case detected in Tasmania for first time in four years after person returned from overseas