NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in greater western Sydney.
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in greater western Sydney.
The individual had recently returned from Vietnam, which is experiencing a large measles outbreak at present. They were not infectious while on their flight.
People who attended the following location should watch for the development of symptoms:
- Family Doctors Berala (co-located with Berala Pharmacy and 4Cyte Pathology) – 174B Woodburn Road, Berala, on Saturday 18 January from 10am to 11:15am.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said while this location poses no ongoing risk, people who visited the above location at that time should monitor for symptoms.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday 5 February. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.”
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to make sure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. It’s given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to 6 months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.