SINGAPORE: Three new measles cases have been reported in a group of travellers who returned to Melbourne from Singapore, the Australian state of Victoria said on Friday (Nov 18).
The three cases are within one family, and travelled on Qantas flight QF36 on Nov 14. The flight was also an Emirates codeshare flight with the code EK5036.
Two of the cases were infectious during the flight and immediately sought medical attention, said Victoria’s Department of Health.
The department identified the flight and Melbourne Airport as public exposure sites.
“Those who attended these sites are urged to seek medical care if they develop symptoms, and to wear a mask and call ahead to ensure they can be isolated from others,” it said.
Those who were on board the flight, or were at the international arrivals area of Melbourne Airport on Nov 15 between 6.10am and 8.40am should monitor their health until Dec 3, the department advised.
“Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads quickly with close contact, especially in those who are not fully vaccinated,” said Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Deborah Friedman.
“Young children and adults with weakened immune systems are the most at risk of serious illness.”
Five measles cases have now been reported in Victoria since January this year.
According to the Department of Health, the illness usually begins with common cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, red eyes and a cough, followed by fever and a rash.
The characteristic measles rash usually begins three to four days after the first symptoms, generally starting on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body, it added.
“People can develop pneumonia and other serious complications from the measles, and often need to be hospitalised,” said Associate Professor Friedman.
“Please seek medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms, especially if you have recently returned from overseas.”
As of Nov 12, three measles cases have been reported in Singapore this year, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). None of these cases was reported between Nov 6 and Nov 12.
CNA has contacted MOH, Changi Airport and the airlines for more information.
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