Passengers travelling through Sydney and Canberra airports on 2 or 3 February have been warned to keep an eye out for measles symptoms after potentially coming into contact with an infectious passenger.
The infectious passenger was returning to the ACT from a trip to Pakistan on Qatar Airlines flight QR 906 via Doha and Sydney.
NSW Health and ACT Health have urged passengers on the flight and people in the airport at the same time as the person to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 21 February, as the time of exposure to onset symptoms can be up to 18 days.
“We urge anyone with symptoms of measles to seek medical advice and to advise their health care provider before arriving at the clinic so that appropriate infection control precautions can be put in place to stop the spread of infection,” said ACT Public Health physician Dr Kerryn Coleman.
“Measles continues to circulate in many overseas countries, so we urge people travelling overseas should check their immune status before they leave.”
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes and runny now, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which is not itchy, and begins on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body.
People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention.
SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING