Warning as Darwin measles outbreak continues to grow

THE outbreak of measles in Darwin that began in mid-February has increased to eight cases, with a further four cases confirmed in the past two days

Some recent measles cases spent a significant amount of time at Big W Gateway and the Gateway and Casuarina shopping centres.

THE outbreak of measles in Darwin that began in mid-February has increased to eight cases.

A further four cases have been confirmed in the past two days in the Darwin area.

“It is not clear where the new cases acquired their disease as there is no direct link to the previous cases and no recent overseas travel,” said Dr Vicki Krause, Director at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

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Dr Krause said while it was not possible to capture all places of exposure some recent cases spent extensive time at Big W at Gateway Palmerston on Sunday, March 17 and throughout Gateway and Casuarina shopping malls over the past four days.

Dr Krause said it was not known how the disease had come to Darwin but it would remain a concern for Top End residents for a number of weeks.

“Knowing how very contagious measles is, there are likely to be further people with symptoms of measles in Darwin now and for the next several weeks.”

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A number of Territorians could unknowingly be at risk, after not having their vaccinations up to date.

“To be immune to measles you must have either previously had measles, had two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, known as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (the vaccine is given as part of the routine national vaccination schedule at 12 months and at 18 months),” Dr Krause said.

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“For people born between 1966 and 1996, you may have only had one dose and should check your records to see if you have had two vaccines.”

Those who are not immune to measles can easily catch measles in public places such as shopping centres, pharmacies, doctors’ waiting rooms and cafes.

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing and sneezing.

The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur seven to 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.

“If you think you or someone you are caring for might have measles, make sure you call ahead to the medical practice before you attend, so that staff there can take the necessary precautions to avoid potential spread to others.”

Up to one third of people infected with measles will experience a complication.

Complications are more common in children and young adults and include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and may require hospitalisation.