A new alert has been issued for South Australia, warning residents to be alert for symptoms following a confirmed case from a man in Adelaide who contracted the virus while in Bali.
SA Health has urged anyone who is not fully immunised, particularly those who visited locations listed on its website during specified times, to monitor their health over the coming weeks.
Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their doctor before attending a clinic to avoid spreading the highly contagious disease.
Measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a blotchy rash starting on the head and spreading down the body.
Complications can be severe, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
‘This is the fourth case of measles in South Australia this year, following six cases recorded in 2024,’ SA Health said in a statement.
‘There has been an increase in cases nationally over the past six months, with most linked to recent overseas travel.’
Authorities are also advising those who have recently travelled interstate to check health alerts from other jurisdictions, especially if they develop symptoms consistent with measles.
The man had returned from Bali, where he is believed to have caught the illness (stock)
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the disease, with two doses providing the highest level of immunity.
Under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), children receive doses at 12 and 18 months.
People under 20 years who missed vaccinations, along with refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age, are eligible for funded catch-up vaccines.
A new state-funded Measles Vaccination Program, introduced on 1 July 2025, is also offering free vaccines to certain age groups travelling overseas.
Initially available through GPs and select pharmacies offering travel vaccinations, the program will expand to all immunisation providers in the coming weeks.
SA Health recommends that people born during or after 1966 check their vaccination records.
Those without proof of receiving two doses should be vaccinated before travelling overseas.
Most people born before 1966 are considered immune due to exposure in childhood.
The man flew on Jetstar flights JQ499, JQ498, JQ126 & JQ125 between August 3 to 5 (stock)
The man was also at Adelaide airport on August 3 and again on August 5 (stock)
‘Given the increased number of cases in Australia and overseas, we urge all South Australians, especially travellers, to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations,’ SA Health said.
A list of participating vaccination providers is available on the SA Health website.
Measles exposure sites
Kings Park Clinic, 309 Goodwood Road, Kings Park on Thursday 7 August from 12:30pm to 1:15 pm
Adelaide Airport on Tuesday 5 August from 1:30pm to 2:30 pm.
Flight JQ499 from Gold Coast to Adelaide on Tuesday 5 August departed 11:00 am
Flight JQ498 from Adelaide to Gold Coast on Tuesday 5 August departed 7:30 am
Adelaide Airport on Tuesday 5 August from 6:15 am to 7:45 am
Adelaide Airport on Monday 4 August from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
Flight JQ126 from Denpasar to Adelaide on Monday 4 August departed 11:35 am
Flight JQ125 from Adelaide to Denpasar on Sunday 3 August departed 6:15 am.
Adelaide Airport on Sunday 3 August from 4:45 am to 6:15 am
