Major health alert issued after measles detected in two travellers returning to Australia from Singapore

A major health alert has been issued after cases of measles were detected in two recent travellers who returned to Perth from Singapore. One return traveller arrived at Perth Airport on Singapore Airlines SQ225 on December 8 between 5.30am and 6.30am. The person visited several venues in the metro area while infected with measles between November 30 and December 6 – including Perth International Airport, Armadale Health Service Emergency Department, St John Health Armadale General Practice and other locations. Another returned traveller from Singapore arrived at Perth Airport on November 30 and visited a number of locations between December 2 and 6. WA Health Director of Communicable Disease Control Dr Paul Armstrong urged anyone with signs of measles to get tested and for their doctor to notify the Department of Health. “I urge anyone who has visited an exposure location during the dates and times listed to monitor for symptoms, and if symptoms develop, wear a mask and seek medical care,” he said. “Call ahead before presenting at a clinic or emergency department so staff can ensure you do not infect other patients and staff.” Measles symptoms start with a fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, and sore eyes, followed by a red non-itchy rash three or four days later. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Anyone who has visited an exposure site during the times listed should watch for symptoms for 18 days after the potential exposure. A full list of exposure locations can be found on the WA Health alert website.