Measles risk for Bali holiday-makers

WEST Australians heading overseas, particularly to Bali, are being warned to make sure they have been vaccinated against measles, following a further case contracted on the island.

WA Health medical epidemiologist Gary Dowse said there had been more than 20 separate importations of measles from Bali to WA since 2013, including seven already this year, which is more than for any other overseas travel destination.

“Unfortunately, it is not unusual for Australians to be infected with measles overseas, including in Bali, but the increase in the number of cases in WA and other States in recent months suggests there is an ongoing measles outbreak in Bali,” Dr Dowse said.

“With high vaccination coverage, naturally occurring measles has been eliminated from WA for around 20 years but occasional cases and small outbreaks still occur – associated with tourists or WA residents who are infected overseas.”

He said every imported measles case was treated as a public health emergency because of the risk of local spread, including to those most vulnerable to infection such as infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.

Travellers returning from Bali or other countries who developed a fever with other symptoms – including cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a rash – within two to three weeks of returning home, should see their doctor.

Dr Dowse said public health staff had also been providing information to people who were potentially exposed to the most recent Bali measles case where they were known, but it was not possible to identify and specifically warn people who were in public places.

People could have been exposed to the recent case at the following locations in Perth, with dates/times as indicated:

• Thursday April 27 – around 3pm at the Coles supermarket in Fitzgerald St, North Perth.
• Friday April 28 – around 8am at the IGA supermarket in 2nd Ave, Mount Lawley.
• Friday April 28 – around 3pm at Vintage Cellars in 2nd Ave, Mount Lawley.
• Saturday April 29 – between 9am and 10.20am at Loftus Recreation Centre in Leederville.
• Saturday 29 April – around 6pm to 7pm at Domino’s Pizza in Beaufort St, Inglewood.
• Sunday 30 April – around 2pm at the Coles supermarket in Guildford Rd, Maylands.

Dr Dowse said anyone who believed they might have measles should call ahead so that they can be isolated when they arrive at the GP surgery or emergency department, to prevent infecting other patients and staff.

Measles is contagious for about four days before and after the development of the rash. Children and adults who have been unwittingly exposed are at risk of developing measles if they are not immune.

Source: Measles risk for Bali holiday-makers | Perth Now