Alert issued after measles outbreak

Two cases of the rare and potentially deadly measles virus in the South West over the past four weeks have prompted health warnings.

South West residents have been urged to make sure their vaccinations are up to date after a Bunbury man was diagnosed with measles after returning from the Philippines.

There have been 14 cases of measles reported in WA since October.

WA Country Health Service South West public health physician Naru Pal said additional measles infections could appear in the community over the next two weeks as many people had been exposed to the Bunbury case.

“Anyone who comes in contact with measles during the infectious phase and has not had measles in the past or has not received two doses of vaccine is at risk of infection, ” Dr Pal said. “Measles is a highly infectious viral illness and is spread by airborne respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, a runny nose, cough, sore red eyes followed a few days later by widespread blotchy red rash starting on the face which spreads down the body.”

Dr Pal said immunisation was the best way to prevent measles.

“Immunisation rates in the South West vary between 88 to 91 per cent for children with some pockets as low as 75 per cent, ” he said.