Health officials in Western Australia have issued an urgent alert after a passenger diagnosed with measles travelled on a Qantas flight, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus.
The infected individual flew from Perth to Newman on Qantas flight QF1945 on September 2, raising concerns about possible transmission to fellow passengers and crew members.
Timeline of Exposure
The Western Australian Department of Health has released a detailed timeline of potential exposure locations:
- Perth Domestic Airport Terminal 3: September 2, 6:30am to 8:30am
- Qantas flight QF1945 (Perth to Newman): September 2, 8:30am to 10:10am
- Newman Airport: September 2, 10:10am to 11:00am
Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-18 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore, red eyes
- A distinctive red rash that starts on the face and spreads
Health authorities are urging anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and seek immediate medical advice if they appear. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.
Public Health Response
The WA Department of Health is working to contact passengers who sat near the infected individual. Public health units have been alerted across the state to watch for potential cases.
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
