Measles alert issued across NT airports, tourism hotspots
NT Health issued the alert on Saturday morning, warning anyone who was on tourism trips in the state, at restaurant in Kakadu National Park, or travelled through Darwin or Alice Springs Airports on specific dates in July to be alert for measles symptoms.
These include a fever, sore eyes, a runny nose, a cough, and a blotchy red rash.
'Check your vaccination status,' an NT Health spokesperson said.
'Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.'
Health authorities suspect the man who travelled while infectious acquired measles in Indonesia.
'The NT Centre for Disease Control is urging Territorians to be alert following confirmation of a measles case who travelled through Darwin and Alice Springs while infectious,' the alert reads.
'The individual, likely infected overseas, visited multiple public locations in the NT between July 17 and 23.'
NT Health says the man was likely infectious when he went on an all-day tour with Ethical Adventures in Litchfield National Park on July 17.
The next day, he left for an overnight tour with AAPT Kings Jabiru, and was at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru from 6pm to 8pm on July 18.
The measles alert does not account for his movements the next two days, but the next listed location is the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, from 1pm to 3pm on July 20.
It is believed the man then went to Darwin Airport at 3.30pm and flew to Alice Springs on Qantas flight QF1960, arriving at 7pm.
On Wednesday, July 23, the man flew from Alice Springs to Cairns on Air North flight TL361.
'Anyone who attended these locations during these times should monitor for symptoms … Symptoms can take up to 18 days after exposure to develop,' the alert said.
'The vaccine is safe and effective, and available from your GP, local health centre, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccinating pharmacies.'
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