W.Australia measles spike prompts warning for travelers to Phl

SYDNEY (Xinhua) - Travelers to the Philippines should make sure they are fully vaccinated against measles before their departure, Western Australia's (WA) health authorities warned today.

WA Health Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong said an ongoing measles outbreak in the Philippines had prompted the urgent reminder for people traveling to the island country in Southeast Asia.

Since January, there have been 13 cases of measles reported in WA - eight of which occurred after travel to the Philippines, WA Department of Health revealed.

"This is the highest rate of measles cases recorded in WA since 2006," the Department said in a statement.

Armstrong urged travelers returning from the Philippines and those in contact with them to be alert for symptoms as measles was highly contagious among people who were not fully immunized.

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, inflamed eyes and cough, followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash.

"Individuals who have returned from the Philippines, or think they might have been exposed to measles, and who develop symptoms of the disease, should stay away from others and promptly consult their doctor," he warned.

"The patient should mention their possible contact with measles when they call their doctor so that they can be isolated when they arrive at the surgery and prevent the spread of measles to other patients."

Naturally occurring measles has been eliminated from WA for over a decade but occasional cases and small outbreaks do occur- usually associated with tourists or WA residents returning from overseas, the Department said.