Measles fears in Mirrabooka after second case confirmed

MIRRABOOKA residents are among those who were potentially exposed to measles, after a second case of the highly contagious disease was diagnosed.

The person contracted the disease during travel overseas and visited different Perth suburbs from October 21 to 28.

They visited McDonald’s restaurant in Mirrabooka October 23, 1pm to 2.30pm and Chemist Warehouse in Mirrabooka 2pm to 3pm on the same day.

WA Health said people could have been exposed to measles if they visited these establishments during those times.

Earlier this month WA Health confirmed a Singapore Airlines passenger also contracted the disease overseas.

WA Health communicable diseases director Paul Armstrong said staff had contacted potentially exposed individuals, but it was not possible to identify and warn people who were in public places.

“Measles is contagious for about four days before and after the development of the rash,” he said.

“Children and adults who have been unwittingly exposed are at risk of developing measles if they are not immune.”

Symptoms include cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a rash and people who developed these two to three weeks of potential exposure should stay at home and consult their doctor.

“Anyone who thinks they are infected should call ahead and mention their possible contact with measles so they can be isolated when they arrive at the GP surgery or emergency department, to prevent infecting other patients and staff,” Dr Armstrong said.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness spread when infected people cough and sneeze.

Complications following measles include ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.

Measles has been eliminated from WA for 20 years but occasional cases and small outbreaks occur from tourists or WA residents who are infected overseas.