Measles alert: Confirmed case in returned overseas traveller

Who is at risk

• Overseas travellers or anyone who has attended any of the exposure locations, and is not immune to measles. 
• Anyone born after 1965 and who has not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine is considered not immune to measles. Vaccination status should be confirmed with documented evidence of vaccination.
• Those at risk of severe illness from measles include immunocompromised people, young children and pregnant women.

Exposure locations

Ayone who visited an exposure location during the dates and times listed below should monitor for symptoms for 7 to 18 days following their visit, especially those who are not immune to measles, and seek medical advice if symptoms occur.

New locations are listed in bold

There is no known ongoing risk of measles at the above-named locations outside of the dates and times listed.

What to do if you develop symptoms of measles

Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should put on a mask, isolate and seek medical care to be tested for measles. 

Before visiting a general practice clinic or emergency department, it is important to:

• call ahead to let them know of a potential measles infection, so they can provide instruction on where to go and ensure appropriate isolation measures are taken to prevent spread to other patients or staff
• follow their instructions, including wearing a mask when attending.

It is important that people who have symptoms of measles do not attend public places (such as work, school, daycare or shopping centres) or use public transport.

Anyone concerned they may have measles and require medical advice after hours can contact 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422.

Information for health professionals

Health professionals should be alert for measles, particularly among returned overseas travellers – ensure all staff have a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with a febrile rash.

General practices and emergency departments should:

• ask if individuals have recently travelled, been in contact with a known measles case, or attended an exposure site, when accessing acute illness. 
• identify people with measles-compatible illness at reception or triage, provide a mask and isolate them immediately. Place the person in a negative pressure isolation room where available, or a single room with the door closed, and apply airborne precautions for all staff entering the room. Staff caring for the patient must be immune to measles. 
• ensure that consultation rooms used in the assessment of patients with suspected measles are left vacant for at least 30 minutes after the patient leaves. 
• consider testing patients presenting with fever and rash for measles. The following laboratory tests are recommended for suspected measles – mark the request form as urgent: 
  1. Measles PCR on the following specimens: 
     • throat swab or nasopharyngeal aspirate in viral transport medium (or dry swab), and 
     • first catch urine 
     • if possible, also collect 3mL of blood in an EDTA tube. 
  2. Measles serology: if possible, collect 3mL blood in SST tube, and request measles IgM and IgG.

Suspected cases should be advised to isolate until results are available.

• urgently notify suspected measles cases to your local Public Health Unit by telephone (8am to 5pm Mon-Fri, excluding public holidays) or to the on-call public health physician if after hours.
• ensure anyone planning overseas travel is up to date with all routine vaccinations and any additional travel vaccinations. Free MMR vaccines are available to people susceptible to measles, even if they are not eligible for Medicare. Serology is not required before vaccinating. People can receive another MMR vaccine dose if they are uncertain if they have already had two doses.
• refer to the Measles Quick Guide for further information.