SA:SA health officials warn about measles

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2010
SA:SA health officials warn about measles

ADELAIDE, Dec 29 AAP - Health officials are trying to contact people who may have been
exposed at Adelaide airport to a woman with a highly infectious measles virus.

An alert has been sent to general practitioners and South Australian Health staff are
contacting anyone who may have been exposed to the woman who acquired the virus while
overseas, chief public health officer Stephen Christley says.

The only public place the woman, who is in her 20s, visited while she infectious was
Adelaide Airport between 7am and 9am on Christmas Day, Dr Christley says.

"Passengers seated near the woman on her international flights are being contacted
to provide information and advice about prevention measures," he said.

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

He said complications of measles can be severe, and anyone with suspected symptoms
should seek advice from a doctor.

He warned that it was important to phone ahead so precautions can be taken to avoid
spreading disease to others.

Dr Christley said immunisation was the best protection against measles.

This is the second case of measles reported in South Australia during 2010. Three cases
were reported in 2009.

AAP lk/it

KEYWORD: MEASLES

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