Urgent health warning issued for Aussie territory after infected man visited multiple tourist spots
The unnamed man, who is believed to have contracted the virus while overseas in Indonesia, spent several days travelling through parts of the NT while infectious.
He visited multiple hotspots, including national parks, airports, and well-frequented attractions, NT Health said on Saturday.
'The NT Centre for Disease Control is urging Territorians to be alert following confirmation of a measles case who travelled through Darwin and Alice Springs while infectious,' it said.
Authorities have urged anyone who visited affected locations between July 17 and 23 to watch for symptoms including fever, sore eyes, runny nose, a cough, and a blotchy red rash.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications and, in some parts of the world, it remains a leading cause of death among children under five years old.
'Check your vaccination status,' an NT Health spokesperson told news.com.au
'Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.'
The measles virus is typically spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with the particles lingering and potentially infecting anyone nearby.
Experts warn that simply being in the same room as an infectious person may suffice to contract the virus.
A person is generally considered infectious from shortly before symptoms appear until four days after the rash develops.
On July 17, the man believed to be infected took part in a full-day tour with Ethical Adventures at Litchfield National Park, NT Health said.
The next day, he departed on an overnight trip with AAPT Kings and dined at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru between 6pm and 8pm.
On July 20, he visited the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory from 1pm to 3pm.
Later that afternoon, he travelled through Darwin Airport, departing at 3.30pm on Qantas flight QF1960, and arrived at Alice Springs Airport at 7pm.
Finally, on Tuesday, July 23, the man flew from Alice Springs to Cairns on Air North flight TL361.
According to NT Health, symptoms of measles can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure.
'Anyone who attended these locations during the listed times should monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if unwell,' the alert said.
'The vaccine is safe and effective, and available from your GP, local health centre, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccinating pharmacies.'
Measles poses the highest risk to young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
In Australia, a vaccine is available as a combination vaccine containing measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV).
All children are currently recommended to get vaccinated for measles at 12 and 18 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Infants can be vaccinated from six months old if travelling overseas, or when an outbreak happens, but will still need two more doses at 12 months and 18 months.
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