Adelaide man may have spread measles

South Australian health authorities have warned that a man who contracted measles in the Philippines may have spread the disease.

A man who contracted measles in the Philippines has visited a dozen public places across Adelaide while infectious.

Authorities say the 54-year-old travelled to 12 locations over the past nine days, including Wilunga Primary School and Central Shopping Centre in McLaren Vale.

"People with measles are infectious for several days before they develop symptoms," SA Health spokesman Stephen Cristley said on Thursday.

"It is possible we'll see more cases, as this man visited many locations around Adelaide prior to his diagnosis."

The man, whose diagnosis is the first recorded in SA this year, is recovering at home.

The 12 locations are listed at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

People who were at those places should be alert for symptoms over the next two weeks and seek medical attention if necessary, Dr Cristley said.

The illness typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a rash which begins on the head and spreads down the body.

People with measles are infectious for several days before they develop symptoms.

"It is very important that people phone their GP ahead of any visit and mention why they are attending, so that precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others," he said.


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Source: AAP


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