Person with measles visits Darwin supermarket

There has been confirmation of a further case of this highly contagious disease.

"This case is a returned traveller who acquired the disease while in Samoa during the severe outbreak there. The case was fully immunised but unfortunately, as sometimes happens, still acquired a mild case of the illness," Dr Peter Markey, acting director of the Public Health Unit at Top End Health Service said.

"People who are immunised and contract measles are not usually as infectious as others, but we still have to take the necessary precautions to prevent spread," Dr Markey said.

The Centre for Disease Control is contacting people who may have had contact with this case to provide information and offer preventive treatment or booster immunisation as appropriate.

The infected person visited Royal Darwin Hospital on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, December 15, 16 and 17 and visited Woolworths at Nightcliff on Tuesday December 17 in the afternoon.

Non-immune people visiting these areas at those times might have been exposed.

"To be immune to measles you need to have had measles previously or have had two doses of the measles-containing vaccine, known as the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is given as part of the routine national vaccination schedule at 12 months and at 18 months, but people born between 1966 and 1996 may have only had one dose as a child and so are not fully vaccinated and need a second dose. Even if you're not sure about the second dose, get one now as it is not harmful to have an extra dose. The vaccine is free for those who do not have 2 documented MMR vaccines," Dr Markey said.

"In addition, there have been measles cases reported in other Australian states and a big outbreak of over a thousand in New Zealand, so the public should ensure they are immune to measles and remain alert for symptoms", Dr Markey said.

Measles is a very contagious viral illness that is spread between people through coughing and sneezing. It can be caught in public places such as shopping centres and waiting rooms.

The symptoms of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, which usually occur 7-10 days after exposure to a case, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash, which often starts on the face and then becomes widespread over the body.

"It is very important to call the medical practice first if you think you might have measles, so that staff can take precautions to avoid you spreading it to others."

Up to one third of people infected with measles will experience a complication. Complications are more common in young children and adults and include ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and may require hospitalisation.

Website: Measles info https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/viral/measles

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