Perth Christmas carol event on measles alert after infected person attended

A person infected with measles attended a community Christmas carol event while infectious, health authorities have revealed.

The person returned to Perth on Emirates flight EK420 that arrived from Dubai about 5.40pm on December 9 then attended Voiceworks Carols in the Park at Shenton Park the following day.

The person also visited several shopping precincts and major retail outlets at Whitfords, Claremont and Karrinyup between December 10 and 17.

It is the 58th confirmed measles case in Western Australia this year.

Health authorities advised it could take between seven and 18 days for the virus to develop after being exposed.

A Health Department spokesman said measles was highly infectious and could spread via airborne droplets to people close by.

“Droplets in the air may still infect people entering a room up to 30 minutes after an infected person has left it,” they said.

The spokesman said people should watch out for signs of fever, tiredness, a runny nose, coughing or sore red eyes, as well as a red blotchy rash that appeared about three or four days later.

“(It) usually starts on the face before spreading down the body; the rash can last for four to seven days,” a spokesman said.

“People with measles usually feel very unwell, and some may end up in hospital.

“Complications may include pneumonia, and less often, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

“Those who have previously been vaccinated may still develop measles however the infection is usually milder and doesn’t last as long.

“People with measles are infectious (able to pass on the virus to others) from one day before their symptoms start and up until four days after their rash appears.”

Authorities urged anyone with symptoms to contact a doctor or emergency department by phone to let them know of a possible measles infection.