Australia in measles health alert

21 December 2011 09:23

South Australia Health has issued a public health alert about the highly infectious measles virus

South Australia Health has issued a public health alert about the highly infectious measles virus

Holidaymakers planning to head off to South Australia have been urged to take extra care after the health department issued a public health alert amid reports of measles.

SA Health said one confirmed case has been recorded this week.

The news may see many travellers take out medical travel insurance before visiting the affected area.

Chief medical officer of SA Health, Professor Paddy Phillips, said the 22-year-old woman from metropolitan Adelaide confirmed as having measles may have contracted the virus while travelling internationally.

According to Prof Phillips, measles is a highly contagious disease and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing among people who are not vaccinated.

Prof Phillips further said: "We are advising anyone who was in these locations during these times to be alert for symptoms over the next two weeks and if they are ill to see a doctor.

"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."

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