Urgent measles warning issued to Aussies
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. Measles can be deadly for children. ACS Credit: Supplied
'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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Program gives Indigenous kids free life-changing surgery
Dozens of Aboriginal children in Perth's southern suburbs have avoided long waitlists to undergo free life-changing grommet surgery.
The Age
3 days ago
- The Age
Program gives Indigenous kids free life-changing surgery
Dozens of Aboriginal children in Perth's southern suburbs have avoided long waitlists to undergo free life-changing grommet surgery.
ABC News
3 days ago
- ABC News
Tobacco use in WA's Kimberley remains high as Australian smoking rate drops below 10pc
As smoking rates hit historic lows across Australia, nicotine addiction maintains a powerful hold in Western Australia's remote north. About one in three people in the Kimberley region still smoke regularly, according to the latest Health and Wellbeing of Adults in WA report by the state's Department of Health. This dwarfs the national rate, which fell to under 10 per cent in 2022–23. Broome resident Spencer Lim Joon managed to quit smoking last year after a four-decade battle. "That was my first taste of a cigarette, and then eight years later again with mates." Mr Lim Joon watched family members struggle with lung and chest issues throughout their lives and also bore witness to smoking's fatal consequences. "A good mate of mine passed away, he was from Broome and he just couldn't give up," he said. Mr Lim Joon said it was embedded in almost every aspect of the regional lifestyle, whether it was "ciggy breaks" at work, with friends or with family. "It's hard to go against peer pressure, but just try real hard," Mr Lim Joon said. "The younger generation, they just pick it up too easily without any question and when you get older … that's where you're going to have health issues, but it's not worth it for quality of life." In the Kimberley, the report found 32.5 per cent of people smoked, 33 per cent were ex-smokers and 34.5 per cent had never smoked or never smoked regularly. The region already struggles with limited access to healthcare, and its high smoking rate only adds to the problem. According to Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services, tobacco remains the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden and death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But despite the grim statistics, local health services are working to turn the tide. Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) coordinator Kaupa Pitt said the team, based at the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS), was making inroads. Ms Pitt said the focus was largely on teaching young people about the benefits of not smoking, and trying to address the issue before addictive, long-standing behaviours set in. TIS also run "mums and bubs" programs for expectant mothers and young families. Both the message and its delivery are critical for the community-focused program. "We really do rely on the staff for their local knowledge, their knowledge of their communities, combining TIS program information," Ms Pitt said. WA Cancer Council coordinator Sarah Beasley agreed early intervention, peer support, and targeted outreach in remote areas were key to reducing the prevalence of smoking. The long-term health impacts are well known, from lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illness, yet quitting remains a challenge for many. Smoking becomes a "coping mechanism" and a source of "comfort", until people become addicted and are unable to cope without it, according to Ms Beasley. "If you can get just that bit of support to understand what you need to do to go about quitting and what options are available, it is really something you can achieve no matter where you are." In Broome, smoking and nicotine replacement therapy is delivered at Broome Hospital, including through the mental health unit. The WA Country Health Service also coordinates anti-vaping education through the Kimberley Population Health Unit. The WA government said its recent expansion of prescription and diagnosis capabilities for pharmacists would help address high regional smoking rates. WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat said programs to help people quit smoking would be introduced as part of this. But exactly how access to support will be improved remains subject to ongoing consultation. "We know there are programs available to help people to quit and incredible health benefits to support people through the process," Ms Hammat said. "We are looking at all the ways we can make particular programs like that [more] available."
