Measles outbreak in Western Australia: two new cases confirmed

Two new measles cases have been confirmed in Western Australia as local authorities implement measures to curb an escalating outbreak. The two cases visited several locations in the southwestern part of the state while infectious, including Bunbury Regional Hospital. Western Australia Health publicized the locations and advised anyone who visited them at the same time as the infected persons to monitor for symptoms for 18 days. First measles symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose, followed later by a red non-itchy rash. Health experts also reminded that infants under 12 months are particularly vulnerable to the disease because they are too young to be vaccinated.
The last two infections brought the total number of measles cases in Western Australia to 15. The outbreak started in March when cases were detected in two prisons. Health authorities recommended vaccination to contain the spread of the disease. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free in the state for anyone born after 1966 or who has not already had two doses.