Measles Alert Issued After Returnee’s Flight, Shopping Centre Visits

Health officials are urging vigilance following a confirmed measles case in a traveler who recently returned from Afghanistan. The infected individual visited several locations, including a flight and a shopping center, raising concerns about potential exposure and the virus’s highly contagious nature.

Exposure Sites Identified

The affected person, now hospitalized, arrived in Perth on Thursday, June 12, after flying from Dubai. The individual then spent time at Perth Airport’s Terminal 1. On Friday, June 13, the infected person visited various shops in a northern suburbs shopping center.

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The Director of Communicable Disease Control, Dr. Paul Armstrong, highlighted the need for public awareness. He stated the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention immediately.

“Measles can spread quickly and even one case of measles can be cause for concern,”

—Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of Communicable Disease Control

Globally, measles cases are surging, with significant outbreaks reported in countries like Afghanistan, where over 50,000 suspected cases have been identified (World Health Organization, 2024).

Symptoms and Precautions

The initial signs of measles include fever, fatigue, coughing, a runny nose, and sore eyes. A red rash typically appears on the face and spreads to other areas of the body several days later. The public is urged to check their vaccination status.

Locations and Advice

Specific exposure locations include a Woolworths, Coles, Greenleaf Pharmacy, and the Belridge Shopping Centre in Beldon. The flight, EK420 from Dubai to Perth, is also listed as an exposure site.

Those potentially exposed are advised to watch for symptoms, which may appear within 7 to 18 days. They should contact their GP or the emergency department before visiting to prevent further spread of the disease.