Canberrans are being urged to monitor themselves for measles symptoms following a confirmed case in the ACT.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said the individual who had the symptoms had likely acquired the measles infection on a recent overseas trip.
“Measles is a serious disease and is highly contagious among people who are not fully immunised,” Dr Coleman said.
“Whenever a case of measles is identified in our community, it is a strong reminder that the best way to protect yourself and your family against measles is vaccination.”
She advised people who had attended exposure locations at certain times on 15 February to monitor for symptoms of measles until 5 March.
Dr Coleman said the sites included Flight QF1433 from Sydney to Canberra; Canberra Airport between 11:30am to 12:30pm; Canberra Centre; David Jones, 12:30 – 1:00pm; Bed Bath and Table, 12:30 – 1:30pm; Myer, 1:00 – 1:45pm; and Madeleine’s Café on Level 2 of the Marian Building at the Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, 3:00 – 3:30pm.
“People who attended these sites at the times listed are at very low risk of exposure to measles,” Dr Coleman said.
“ACT Health are directly contacting the people who are higher risk of exposure,” she said.
“If symptoms of measles develop, people should seek medical advice, advising their health care provider before they arrive so that appropriate infection control precautions can be put in place to stop the spread of the infection.”
Dr Coleman said symptoms included fever, tiredness, runny nose, sore eyes, cough and a rash.
For further information about measles can be accessed at this PS News link.
