WA Health department issues a measles warning after a Perth resident was diagnosed with the infectious and contagious disease.
The Perth resident returned home from the Philippines on January 29 and was a passenger of a Singapore Airlines flight.
Passengers who may have been on the same flight or visited Coles at Raine Square in Perth CBD on the morning of January 30 to watch out for symptoms until the end of the month.
Have you been exposed?
You may be at risk of measles infection if you have never had measles or not have been vaccinated against measles.
- If it is less than 3 days since you came into contact with a person with measles, immunisation can prevent you becoming infected.
- If it is more than 3 days and less than 7 days since you came into contact with a person infected with measles, an injection called immunoglobulin can protect you. Immunoglobulin contains antibodies against the measles virus. It is especially recommended for young children (less than 1), pregnant women who have not been immunised and people with other medical conditions who have a greater risk of developing complications if they catch measles.
What to watch out for
It usually takes about 10 days from the time of exposure for someone to become sick. A rash usually appears 14 days after exposure.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.
- fever
- tiredness
- runny nose
- cough
- sore red eyes
These symptoms usually last for a few days before a red blotchy rash appears. The rash starts on the face for 1 to 2 days and spreads down to the body. The rash will last for 4 to 7 days.
