- A man contracted measles during his time abroad.
- He toured NT's tourist attractions in July
- READ MORE: Critical health alert issued for Sydney
Residents in the metropolitan regions of the Northern Territory have received a public health warning following an individual with measles visiting well-known tourist attractions.
The unidentified individual, thought to have been infected with the virus while abroad inIndonesia, spent several days traveling through parts of the NT while being infectious.
He toured various popular areas, such as national parks, airports, and heavily visited sites, NT Health stated on Saturday.
"The National Centre for Disease Control is advising residents of the Territory to remain vigilant after a measles case was confirmed, with the individual having passed through Darwin and Alice Springs while contagious," it stated.
Officials have asked anyone who was at the impacted areas between July 17 and 23 to be alert for signs such as fever, red eyes, a runny nose, coughing, and a patchy red rash.
Measles is a very infectious viral disease that may result in severe health issues and, in certain regions, continues to be a major cause of mortality for children below the age of five.
"Verify your vaccination status," said an NT Health representative.news.com.au
Measles spreads easily but can be avoided by receiving two shots of a vaccine that protects against it.
The measles virus is usually transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, with the particles remaining in the environment and possibly infecting others in the vicinity.
Authorities caution that merely being in the same space as someone infected could be enough to become infected with the virus.
An individual is typically regarded as contagious a short time prior to showing symptoms and for four days following the onset of the rash.
On July 17, the individual suspected of being infected joined a full-day tour organized by Ethical Adventures at Litchfield National Park, according to NT Health.
The following day, he embarked on an overnight journey with AAPT Kings and had dinner at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Jabiru between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
On July 20, he was at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
In the late afternoon, he went through Darwin Airport, boarding Qantas flight QF1960 at 3:30 pm and reaching Alice Springs Airport at 7 pm.
Ultimately, on Tuesday, July 23, the individual traveled from Alice Springs to Cairns via Air North flight TL361.
As per NT Health, the signs of measles may not manifest for as long as 18 days following contact.
"Anyone present at these places during the specified hours should watch for symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if feeling ill," the notice stated.
The vaccine is secure and works well, and can be obtained through your general practitioner, nearby health center, Aboriginal health clinic, and vaccination pharmacies.
Measles presents the greatest danger to young children, expectant mothers, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
In Australia, a vaccine is offered in the form of a combined shot that includes protection against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), or measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (MMRV).
Every child is currently advised to receive the measles vaccine at 12 and 18 months old as part of the National Immunisation Program.
Babies can receive the vaccine starting at six months of age if they are traveling abroad or during an outbreak, but they will still require two additional doses at 12 and 18 months.
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