SA Health alert on measles as teenager treated in hospital

A second measles case has been diagnosed in Adelaide in less than a fortnight, and SA Health is urging possible contacts to be alert to symptoms. See the list of places and dates visited by the cases.

SA Health has issued an urgent alert about measles in the wake of a second case in less than a fortnight who visited multiple places in Adelaide.

The 17-year-old male from metropolitan Adelaide was exposed to the measles case in an infant who returned to South Australia from overseas, and which was reported on March 23.

The teenager is in a stable condition in hospital.

Measles is a serious and highly-contagious infectious disease and SA Health advises anyone who is not fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed below, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.

In particular, anyone who attended a listed exposure site during the times listed on Tuesday April 2 or Wednesday April 3 are urged to contact their GP immediately to discuss the need for post-exposure treatment.

A typical measles rash. Picture: Victoria Department of Health

This could involve urgent vaccination for those who are not vaccinated, or immunoglobulin treatment for people who have low-immune functioning.

When measles is suspected, it is critical that people phone their doctor before any visit and mention why they are attending, so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.

Public exposure sites for the current and previous cases are:

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital ED on Wednesday April 3, 10am to 10.45am.

• Norwood Total GP Care, Como Shopping Centre Level 1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Tuesday April 2, 3.15pm to 4.45pm and 6pm to 7.15pm.

• Rio Coffee, 22 Nelson Street, Stepney on Thursday March 28, 10am to 11.30am.

• St Ignatius College, 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone on Thursday March 28, 1pm to 4pm.

• Campbelltown Soccer Club, 72 Stradbroke Road, Newton on Thursday March 28, 6.30pm to 7.45pm.

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital ED on Saturday March 23, 5.30am to 6.15am.

• Norwood Total GP Care, Como Shopping Centre Level 1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Friday March 22,11.30am to 2pm.

• Norwood Parade between Edward and George streets, Norwood on Friday March 22, 11.45am to 12.45pm.

• Kmart Firle Plaza on Friday March 22 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

• Adelaide Airport on Friday March 22, 5.30pm to 6.15pm.

• Woolworths Supermarket, Walkerville on Thursday March 21, 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

• Bunnings Prospect on Wednesday March 20, 10am to 11.30am.

• Next Generation Gym Memorial Drive, North Adelaide on Tuesday March 19, 3.30pm to 5.15pm.

• Exchange Coffee 12-18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide on Sunday March 17, 11am to 1pm.

• State Library, North Terrace, on Sunday March 17, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

• Rundle Mall on Sunday March 17 from 2pm to 3pm.

• Hey Jupiter, Ebenezer Place, Adelaide on Sunday March 17, 2.30pm to 4pm.

• Down the Rabbit Hole Winery, 233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale on Saturday March 16, 2pm to 4pm.

• Oscar Wylee, Rundle Mall on Friday March 15, 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Bailey Nelson, Rundle Mall on Friday March 15, 7pm to 8pm.

• Gunbae, 11-29 Union St, Adelaide on Friday March 15, 7.45pm to 9pm.

• Natural Wonders Light Show, Botanic Gardens, Adelaide on Friday March 15, 8.45pm to 10.15pm.

Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.

This is the third case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to one case at the same time last year. A total of three cases were recorded in 2023.

Most measles cases in Australia occur in overseas visitors and returning residents who did not have two doses of the measles vaccine.

Illustration of measles virus infection showing giant multinucleated cells seen during microscopy of biopsy specimens, known as Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells.

SA Health advises the easiest way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection. Measles vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and 18 months of age.

People intending to travel overseas are encouraged to check their vaccination records and to request the vaccine if there is no record of them receiving two doses, and they were born in Australia after or during 1966.

Anyone who was at the locations and is significantly immunocompromised, or anyone who is pregnant and not fully immunised, may benefit from post-exposure treatment within six days of exposure. Speak to your doctor if you think this may apply to you.

Originally published as SA Health alert on measles as teenager treated in hospital