NT Health is advising Territorians to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after a confirmed case was detected in Greater Darwin.
The case is an adult who had recently travelled to south-east Asia, where measles outbreaks have been occurring in multiple countries. Anyone travelling is urged to ensure they are up to date with all vaccinations, including measles-containing vaccination.
The case attended the following locations in Greater Darwin while infectious. Anyone who attended these locations during these times needs to monitor for symptoms for the next few weeks:
Friday 24 January:
· Air North Flight TL160 from Darwin to Cairns (stopover in Gove)
Monday 27 January:
· Air North Flight TL161 from Cairns to Darwin (stopover in Gove)
· Darwin International Airport arrivals and luggage pickup, 4pm - 5pm
Tuesday 28 January:
· Mckinnon Snack Bar and Takeaway Berrimah, 9am - 9.30am
Several locations were also identified in Cairns between Friday 24 January and Monday 27 January here.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, which is spread by breathing in the airborne droplets from the coughs and sneezes of people infected with the disease.
Symptoms to monitor for include fever, sore or red eyes, runny nose and cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face and neck over the rest of the body. It can take up to 18 days after exposure to develop symptoms.
Measles is now uncommon in Australia because of high levels of immunisation. Most measles cases in Australia occur when people who are unvaccinated travel overseas to places where measles is spreading and bring it back, often before they are aware they are infected.
This is the seventh travel-associated measles case confirmed in Australia since 1 January 2025. The most recent cases of measles in the Northern Territory (NT) were in 2019.
The best protection against measles infection is vaccination, and all Territorians are reminded to check that they are up to date. For protection, anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are given to children in Australia at 12 and 18 months of age. Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to three months early if they are travelling to countries with measles outbreaks.
Measles vaccination is safe and effective, and available in the NT from community health centres, Aboriginal health centres, GPs and selected pharmacies.
The NT Centre for Disease Control (CDD) is contacting people identified as contacts of the case. However, anyone may contact the NT CDC to discuss concerns or questions about measles, the measles vaccine, or to check their vaccination status by calling (08) 8922 8044.
Learn more at Measles | NT.GOV.AU here
