Tourist returning from Bali to Western Australia has measles
A tourist returning from Bali has triggered a health alert in Western Australia after officials discovered the traveler had visited a hotel and shops while infected with measles.
The Department of Health issued a state-wide warning on Wednesday after the tourist, who has not been named, was admitted to hospital in Perth with the highly contagious disease.
Health officials are now trying to trace anyone who may have been exposed after it was revealed the tourist spent time in the Perth and Midwest regions while infectious.
Health officials have issued a warning after a tourist infected with measles flew back to Western Australia and visited several locations in Perth before the traveler was hospitalized.
Acting director of communicable diseases Jelena Maticevic said public health staff are contacting people who may have been exposed.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and anyone who may have been exposed to measles and develops measles symptoms should consult a doctor,” Dr. Maticevic said.
A list of exposure locations was released by the department on Wednesday, with visitors urged to monitor for symptoms, despite the locations saying there was no “ongoing risk.”
The locations listed by the Department of Health include the Royal Mail Hotel on Main Street in Meekatharra between 5.45pm and 8pm on September 3.
Spud shed on the Albany Highway in Kelmscott between 12.15pm and 1.15pm and Bunnings in Armadale on the corner of Ranford and Armadale roads between 12.15pm and 1.30pm on September 11.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread by tiny droplets released when infected people cough and sneeze, with early symptoms including fever, coughing, runny nose and sore eyes.
That is usually followed three or four days later by a red, non-itchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms typically appear within seven to eighteen days after exposure.
Authorities are doing their utmost to trace anyone who may have been infected with the disease after the tourist went to several places, including a Bunnings resort.
The traveler infected with the disease arrived in Perth after visiting Bali (pictured), Indonesia, before visiting several shops and a hotel
Although high vaccination rates helped eradicate measles in Australia 25 years ago, health officials warned that small outbreaks can still occur – usually caused by overseas travelers returning home.
Numerous countries are currently experiencing measles outbreaks, with travelers who lack immunity at risk of infection while abroad and possibly returning home with it.
In July, the NSW government issued a public health warning after a tourist returning from overseas visited several locations in Sydney, including Rose Bay and Randwick, while infected.
Each case of measles is treated by health officials across the country as a potential public health emergency due to the risk that the disease could spread locally and the potentially serious nature of the disease.
In most states, anyone born after 1965 who has no proof of receiving two doses in the past and is over age 16 can access a government-funded measles vaccine through their doctor or pharmacy.