A case of measles in a man returning from the Philippines to Adelaide has been reported to SA Health.
The 54-year-old man is recovering at home, but had travelled to many locations around Adelaide while infectious.
SA Health’s chief public health officer Dr Stephen Christley warned that measles was highly contagious for people who were not fully vaccinated.
“People with measles are infectious for several days before they develop symptoms so it is possible we’ll see more cases, as this man visited many locations around Adelaide prior to his diagnosis,” Dr Christely said.
“The illness begins with fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a rash which begins on the head and then spreads down the body.
“Complications of measles can be severe.”
Dr Christely said the best way to avoid measles was with a vaccination and advised anyone who was unsure whether they had both doses of the measles vaccine to speak to their doctor about getting their immunisation up to date.
“This is particularly important if you are planning overseas travel as many countries, particularly Bali and the Philippines, are currently experiencing widespread measles outbreaks,” he said.
SA Health said it was the first case of measles in South Australia in 2015 compared to eight at the same time last year. There were 16 cases recorded in 2014.