Measles Alert Issued in Australian States, Urging Vaccination Uptake
The World Health Organization also advocated for measles vaccination due to a concerning rise in measles cases.
Several Australian states have issued warnings about measles and are urging people to get vaccinated as cases appear in the community.
On Jan. 24, the governments of New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) all issued alerts and encouraged vaccination uptake.
The United Nations also issued a warning on Jan. 24 regarding an “alarming” increase in measles cases in Europe, emphasizing that “vaccination is the only way to protect children.”
In Sydney, a confirmed case of measles was reported to have spread via Sydney airport to the Australian Capital Territory on Jan. 20, and NSW Health urged people at Sydney Terminal One international arrivals in the morning on Jan. 20 to monitor for symptoms. In addition, those traveling on Air India Flight 302 from Delhi to Sydney and a Murrays Sydney to Canberra express bus were advised to check for symptoms.
Case Detected Around Melbourne
Victoria issued a health alert about a new case of measles identified in a returned overseas traveler who visited exposure sites in Melbourne from Jan. 17, 2024.
“Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis),” the department said.
“Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health.”
Meanwhile, the health department in the ACT released a statement advising Canberrans to “check their vaccination status” after a confirmed case in the territory.
Queensland Health alerted the public to a case on Brisbane’s southside on Jan. 8, urging people who visited certain locations to monitor for symptoms.
Health Departments Push Vaccine Uptake for Measles
Health departments emphasized the importance of vaccinations and urged people to check their vaccination status to protect against measles.
The United Nations also warned that the COVID-19 pandemic led to many children missing out on measles vaccinations, resulting in increased measles cases in Europe. U.S. and UK health authorities have also issued alerts on recent measles outbreaks.
