Measles outbreak ‘largest seen in the Territory since 2014’

TERRITORIANS are being warned that while this year’s measles outbreak is officially over — people are still at risk of contracting the deadly disease

Territorians are being urged to get vaccinated now if they aren’t already PIC: ISTOCK

TERRITORIANS are being warned that while this year’s measles outbreak is officially over — people are still at risk of contracting the deadly disease.

Centre for Disease Control director Dr Vicki Krause said the outbreak, which started in mid-February, was the “largest seen in the Territory since 2014” and was obtained by an overseas traveller.

From one case of measles in mid-February there were a further 30 cases confirmed over a 40 day period.

NT bubs urged to get measles vaccine following outbreak

Measles warning issued by NT Health Department

Despite the fact that no further measles cases have been reported in Greater Darwin since April 6, health experts are still urging Territorians to get their shots.

Dr Krause said a free measles containing vaccine, known as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, was available.

“If you have not had 2 MMR vaccines or do not know your measles vaccination status, now is the time to get an MMR vaccine to protect you and others around you from the disease,” she said.

“Measles is not an illness that just affects children as this recent outbreak in Darwin has shown. Those most affected were aged between 20 and 55 years of age who had only had one measles containing vaccine, followed by babies under 12 months who were too young to have had their routine immunisation.”

NT’s measles ‘outbreak’ continues to grow as 27 now infected

Dr Krause urged Territorians to get vaccinated before travelling.

“Cases of measles are increasing globally each day and it is very common to catch measles when travelling,” she said.

During the recent outbreak, more than 1200 people were directly contacted as part of the response to provide disease specific information, to offer vaccination as appropriate to halt the measles transmission, and to protect the public from the disease.

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Measles is very infectious and can spread very easily in public places.