The Department of Health has confirmed a new case of measles in a young child who is receiving treatment at a Perth hospital.
The new case is not linked to overseas travel, and there is no known link to the measles case reported earlier this week (28 October) involving a returned overseas traveller.
The identification of a locally acquired measles case with no known source raises concern for undetected community transmission.
A full list of exposure locations, including relevant dates and times, is available on the Department of Health website.
Anyone who visited these locations during the specified times is urged to monitor for symptoms.
Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong said measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable people such as young children.
“Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and people can be infectious before they develop symptoms,” Dr Armstrong said.
“Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.
“Complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, and some people with measles require hospitalisation.”
Dr Armstrong urged parents and carers to remain alert for symptoms, particularly in babies and young children.
“Early symptoms can resemble a common cold, including fever, a runny nose, cough and red or watery eyes,” he said.
“Babies and toddlers may also become unusually irritable or tired, feed less or lose their appetite.
“These symptoms are typically followed three or four days later by a red, non-itchy rash, which usually begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.”
Anyone who visited an exposure location should monitor for symptoms for 18 days after their potential exposure, even if they feel well.
People who develop symptoms should isolate and seek medical advice, particularly if they have visited an exposure location. They should call ahead before attending a GP clinic or emergency department so precautions can be taken to protect other patients and staff.
Dr Armstrong said the recent cases reinforced the importance of keeping measles vaccinations up to date.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against measles and helps protect vulnerable members of our community, including babies who are not yet fully vaccinated,” he said.
“Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides excellent protection against the disease.”
In Australia, children routinely receive their first MMR vaccine at 12 months, followed by a second measles-containing vaccine at 18 months.
The MMR vaccine is free in WA for anyone born during or after 1966 who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
Anyone concerned they or their child may have measles can contact 1800MEDICARE (1800 022 222) for advice.
