The Department of Health has issued a warning for individuals planning to travel to the South West or overseas during the Easter school holidays, urging them to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
The warning follows the confirmation of 13 measles cases in Western Australia this year, including two individuals who contracted the virus while traveling abroad. Of particular concern is an outbreak in the South West region, where eight cases have been identified. As a result, 28 community exposure sites have been pinpointed, including Bunbury Regional Hospital and Bunbury Regional Prison.
Dr. Paul Armstrong, Director of the Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, emphasized that while measles is rare in Australia, it remains prevalent in several countries that are popular travel destinations for Western Australians, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other nations in South and Southeast Asia.
“Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe health complications, particularly in young children and infants,” Dr. Armstrong warned. “These complications include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases, blindness or even death.”
Symptoms of measles typically begin with fever, fatigue, a runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, followed by a prominent red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Dr. Armstrong urged travelers to verify their immunization status before embarking on international trips. “We are fortunate in Australia to have access to the highly effective MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, which is available for free to all Western Australians,” he said.
The MMR vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program, administered to children at 12 and 18 months. Dr. Armstrong noted that individuals born between 1966 and 1993 may have received only one dose, but two doses are now recommended for optimal long-term protection.
“For those unsure about their vaccination history, an additional dose of the measles vaccine is both safe and beneficial, ensuring full protection,” he added.
Residents can access their immunization history through their Medicare online account or My Health Record, linked to myGov.
As the Easter holiday season approaches, the Department of Health continues to urge the public to prioritize vaccination as a vital preventive measure to safeguard both personal health and the community at large.
