Victoria’s Chief Health Officer is concerned that the two teenagers diagnosed with measles may have come in contact with other members of the community while they were sick. ABC reported that these two teenagers are from Rowville and they returned from Kuala Lumpur to Australia on January 5th this year.
Professor Charles Guest said that after they arrived in Australia they visited Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and a cinema with their family. He said that one of the children was hospitalised for a short time before being diagnosed and then isolated.
“We are concerned that more people may have been infected from coming into contact with these children in the community”
Measles has an incubation period of up to 18 days therefore, if others have been affected, it may not be known for another week. The disease is very infectious and can cause other serious illnesses. Young children are especially at risk.
The early symptoms of measles are similar to common cold symptoms like fever, sore throat, red eyes or a cough. Then, usually after three to seven days after the initial symptoms, a rash begins to appear, usually on the face first before spreading to the rest of the body.
Prof Guest said that vaccinations have significantly reduced the number of measles cases in Victoria and the outbreaks are mainly due to overseas travel.
Prof Guest advised people to contact their doctor or the local hospital if they develop any of these symptoms or rash.
