Tasmania issues major health alert after teen tests positive to measles, contact tracing underway

Health authorities in one Aussie state have launched an urgent alert after a teenager tested positive to a deadly disease – the second in just weeks.

Tasmanian health authorities have issued a major alert after a teenager tested positive to measles – marking the second case of the deadly disease in recent weeks.

The infected teen resides in Southern Tasmania and spent time in the Huon Valley and Channel areas while infectious.

In a statement, Tasmania’s Department of Health notified the public the teen tested positive on December 9.

They urged everyone to be “aware of the signs and symptoms of measles” and know where to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

“The Department of Health is working to contact those who have had a known exposure,” the alert said.

Contact tracing is currently underway, trying to understand the individuals movement while infectious and where they may have acquired the disease, according to the Department of Health’s notification.

At current, there are no links to other measles cases.

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

Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

List of exposure sites: (subject to change as tracing continues) 

Friday 5 December 5:15 to 6:30pm

• Woolworths complex Huonville 45 Main Road, Huonville

Friday 5 December 6pm to Saturday 6 December 9am and Saturday 6 December 5pm to Sunday 7 December 11am

• Franklin/Huon Rowing Club Franklin Foreshore, Franklin

Saturday 6 December 9.15 – 10.15am

• The Grove Store (petrol) 1952 Huon Highway Grove

Originally published as Tasmania issues major health alert after teen tests positive to measles, contact tracing underway