NT Health issues warning after Darwin man comes home from Vietnam with measles

TERRITORY health authorities have issued an urgent warning about measles after confirmation of two cases of the highly contagious disease in Darwin

Territorians are being warned to be alert for measles and get immunised if required, following confirmation of two cases of this highly contagious disease in Darwin. Picture: Supplied

TERRITORY health authorities have issued an urgent warning about measles after confirmation of two cases of the highly contagious disease in Darwin.

Acting Director of the Centre for Disease Control Dr Peter Markey confirmed there had been two young men had presented with the highly contagious disease in Darwin

The first case involves a young Darwin resident, who caught the illness while holidaying in Vietnam, while the second case was acquired from the first.

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“This means there is likely to be people with symptoms of measles in Darwin from today for the next three weeks,” Dr Markey said

“The first case attended Palmerston Regional Hospital on 15 and 17 February and people exposed at that time who are not immune may have symptoms over the next few days.”

He said the second case attended Top End Medical Centre in Stuart Park on March 3 and 5 and then Palmerston Regional Hospital on March 5.

Those exposed at this time who are not immune may get symptoms from March 10.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is contacting people who may have had contact with these cases to provide information and offer preventive treatment or booster immunisation as appropriate.

Dr Markey said measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing and sneezing.

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“It can be caught in public places such as shopping centres and waiting rooms,” he said.

“The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.

“It is very important to call the medical practice first if you think you might have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid you spreading it to others.”

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For more information call your nearest Centre for Disease Control.