SA Health has been notified of a case of measles in a 17-year-old male from metropolitan Adelaide, who was exposed to the measles case reported on 23 March. The recent case is currently in a stable condition in hospital.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious infectious disease. SA Health advises anyone who isn't fully immunised, and particularly those who were in the locations at the times listed below, to be alert for symptoms over the next few weeks and to see a doctor if they become ill.
Anyone who attended a listed exposure site during the times listed on Tuesday 2 April or Wednesday 3 April should contact their GP today to discuss the need for post-exposure treatment. This could involve urgent vaccination for those who are not vaccinated, or immunoglobulin treatment for people who have low immune functioning.
Public exposure sites for the current and previous cases:
- Women's and Children's Hospital Emergency Department onWednesday 3 April from 10:00 am to 10:45 am
- Norwood Total GP Care, ComoShopping Centre Level 1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Tuesday 2 April from 3:15pm to 4:45 pm and 6:00pm to 7:15pm
- Rio Coffee, 22 Nelson Street, Stepney on Thursday 28 March from 10 am to 11:30 am
- St Ignatius College, 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone on Thursday 28 March from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Campbelltown Soccer Club, 72 Stradbroke Road, Newton on Thursday 28 March from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm
- Women's and Children's Hospital PaediatricEmergency Department on Saturday 23 March from 5:30 am to 6:15 am
- Norwood Total GP Care, Como Shopping Centre Level1, 11/168 The Parade, Norwood on Friday 22 March from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
- Norwood Parade between Edward and George Streets,Norwood on Friday 22 March from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
- Kmart Firle Plaza, 171 Glynburn Road, Firle on Friday 22 March from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Adelaide Airport on Friday 22 March from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
- Woolworths Supermarket, 14/104 Walkerville Terrace,Walkerville on Thursday 21 March from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
- Bunnings Prospect, 252 Churchill Road, Prospect on Wednesday 20 March 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Next Generation Gym Memorial Drive, North Adelaide on Tuesday 19 March from 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm
- Exchange Coffee 12-18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide on Sunday 17 March 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- State Library, North Terrace, Adelaide on Sunday 17 March from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
- Rundle Mall, Adelaide on Sunday 17 March from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Hey Jupiter, Ebenezer Place, Adelaide on Sunday 17 March 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
- Down the Rabbit Hole Winery, 233 Binney Road,McLaren Vale on Saturday 16 March 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Oscar Wylee, Rundle Mall on Friday 15 March from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- Bailey Nelson, Rundle Mall on Friday 15 March from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Gunbae, 11-29 Union St, Adelaide on Friday 15 March from 7:45 pm to 9:00 pm
- Natural Wonders Light Show, Botanic Gardens,Adelaide on Friday 15 March from 8:45 pm to 10:15 pm.
Symptoms of measles start with fever, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash which usually begins on the head and then spreads down the body.
When measles is suspected, it is critical that people phone their doctor before any visit and mention why they are attending, so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading disease to others.
This is the third case of measles in South Australia this year, compared to one case at the same time last year. A total of three cases were recorded in 2023.
Most measles cases in Australia occur in overseas visitors and returning residents who did not have two doses of the measles vaccine. The easiest way to avoid measles is vaccination, with two doses needed to provide the best protection. Measles vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program at 12 months and 18 months of age.
People intending to travel overseas are encouraged to check their vaccination records, and request the vaccine, if there is no record of them receiving two doses, and they were born in Australia after or during 1966.
Anyone who was at the locations and is significantly immunocompromised, or anyone who is pregnant and not fully immunised, may benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis treatment within 6 days of exposure. Speak to your doctor if you think this may apply to you.
