Residents are being asked to be alert for measles and to ensure they are immune following three cases diagnosed in the Darwin area in the past three weeks. Those diagnosed had visited several locations in Darwin and Palmerston.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has advised people who have not had measles, or who have not had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk of contracting the disease. The CDC has also advised people who received the vaccine in the 1970s-1980s may not be immune, due to only one dose of the vaccine given during this time instead of two.
The CDC has further advised that people who think they may have measles should seek medical advice from their GP, but to call ahead first so infection control arrangements can be put in place. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a red blotchy rash.
The measles vaccine is free. More information is available from the NT Department of Health.