The Ministry of Health & Medical Services is actively monitoring measles cases that have emerged in various regions of Australia and New Zealand as of December 2024. This vigilance is part of their ongoing effort to keep the community safe through systems like the Early Warning Alert and Response Surveillance (EWARS) and the Hospital Based Active Surveillance (HBAS) for Acute Fever and Rash (AFR).
Measles is recognized as a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms commonly associated with measles include fever, runny nose, cough, and inflamed red eyes.
Despite a high rate of measles immunization, the Ministry emphasizes that the public remains vulnerable to travel-related infections. They strongly advise individuals planning to visit countries experiencing measles outbreaks to stay informed about how the disease is transmitted and to take necessary precautions, such as wearing face masks and using alcohol hand rubs while traveling.
Furthermore, people returning from regions with reported measles outbreaks should promptly seek healthcare if they experience any symptoms related to the illness.
In summary, as measles surveillance continues, the Ministry is encouraging public awareness and precautionary measures, highlighting the importance of community health and safety in the face of infectious diseases. With proactive measures and public cooperation, the risk can be effectively managed and reduced.
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