Attention: Attendees of Echuca College – Discovery Night

Wednesday 21 March 2018 6pm – 8pm

 

Dear Echuca College Discovery Night Attendees

The Department of Health and Human Services has been notified of a confirmed case of measles who attended Echuca College Discovery Night on Wednesday 21 March 2018 between the hours of 6pm to 8pm. If you attended this event you may have been exposed to the infection.

Measles is a highly infectious illness, spread by droplets, which is easily transmitted to others who have no immunity (protection). Please read the attached measles fact sheet for further details. This document describes the symptoms, risks and precautions.

If you were born before 1966 or have received two doses of a measles containing vaccine you are most likely immune (have protection) to measles. If you are not sure of your vaccination history you can attend your general practitioner to have a blood test to check your measles immune status.

If you are pregnant (and have no measles immunity) or immunocompromised you may be eligible for post exposure prophylaxis, please discuss this with your GP prior to Tuesday evening, 27  March 2018.

People susceptible to measles may develop symptoms seven to 18 days after the exposure. Please be aware you may develop symptoms between now and Sunday 8 April 2018.

Should you become unwell with any signs and symptoms of measles (cold symptoms, high fever and rash that starts on the face as outlined in the fact sheet), please exclude yourself from the general public and seek medical advice.

You must call ahead to the clinic or Emergency Department to advise you have been exposed to measles. Make sure you are given a mask before coming into contact with other patients in the waiting room. Please take this information with you when you attend.

If you have any queries, please contact the department on the 1300 651 160. Thank you for assistance with this important public health intervention.

 

Yours sincerely

Dr Annaliese Van Diemen

Manager – Communicable Disease Protection & Control

26/03/2018