A public health alert has been issued across Canberra after an individual visited multiple public venues while unknowingly infectious with measles, according to the Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD). The individual recently returned from overseas, developing the highly contagious viral illness upon arrival in the Australian Capital Territory rather than during transit.
Timeline of Public Venues Visited by the Infectious Individual
Health authorities have published a detailed list of locations visited by the person between Monday, 20 July, and Friday, 24 July. According to the HCSD, these sites do not pose an ongoing risk to the community, but anyone who was present at the specified times must monitor for symptoms.
- Services Australia Louisa Lawson Building (25 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway): Monday, 20 July, 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
- Services Australia Doris Blackburn Building (18 Canberra Avenue, Forrest): Tuesday, 21 July, 8:45 am to 5:00 pm; and Wednesday, 22 July, 8:45 am to 5:00 pm.
- Betty Botter Café (inside the Doris Blackburn Building): Tuesday, 21 July, 9:30 am to 10:30 am; and Wednesday, 22 July, 9:15 am to 9:45 am.
- Woolworths Mawson (69 Mawson Place, Mawson): Wednesday, 22 July, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
- Ochre Medical Centre (Tuggeranong Square): Friday, 24 July, 11:00 am to 12:45 pm.
- Capital Pathology (Tuggeranong Square, Reed Street, Greenway): Friday, 24 July, 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm.
- ACT Pathology (Building 10, Canberra Hospital, including waiting room and nearby public toilet): Friday, 24 July, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
Symptoms to Watch For and Medical Response Protocol
People who visited the listed locations at the matching times are advised to monitor for measles symptoms for 18 days from the date of their exposure, as outlined by the HCSD. Typical symptoms include a fever, tiredness, a runny nose, sore and red eyes, a cough, and a non-itchy, blotchy red rash that typically starts on the face before spreading across the rest of the body.
Anyone developing these symptoms should contact a doctor or health service, including an emergency department. The HCSD stresses that patients must call ahead to notify medical staff of potential measles exposure and wear a face mask upon arrival.
Vaccination Advice and Post-Exposure Immunisation
Individuals who visited the exposure sites at the same time as the infected person—and who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or are uncertain of their status—should immediately contact a GP or pharmacist for immunisation. “This works best when given soon after being exposed, usually within 72 hours. The vaccine is free in the ACT but an administration fee may apply,” the HCSD stated.
Vulnerable groups, including pregnant and unvaccinated individuals, people with weakened immune systems undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, those taking high-dose steroid medications, and infants under 12 months (or under 18 months without a measles vaccine), should directly call the HCSD on (02) 5124 9213.
Pro Tip: To be fully vaccinated against measles, individuals require two doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered at least four weeks apart. Many Australians born between 1966 and the mid-1990s received only one childhood dose and are advised by health authorities to secure a booster shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I visited one of the Canberra exposure sites?
Monitor your health for 18 days from the date of your visit for symptoms such as fever, cough, and a blotchy red rash. If symptoms appear, call your GP or hospital before visiting and wear a mask.
Is the measles vaccine free in the ACT?
Yes, the vaccine is free in the Australian Capital Territory, though a standard administration fee may apply depending on the healthcare provider.
Who is most at risk following this exposure?
Unvaccinated individuals, infants under 12 months of age, pregnant women who are unvaccinated, and immunocompromised persons are at the highest risk and should contact the HCSD immediately.
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