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 visiting several locations in Western Sydney.
The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
People who attended the following locations at the following times may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Friday 21 February
· Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Adelphi Street Rouse Hill from 2pm to 3pm
· Soul Pattinson Chemist, Rouse Hill Village Centre Adelphi Street from 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Sunday 23 February
· Norwest Private Hospital Emergency Department waiting room from 1:30pm to 2.30pm
Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Catherine Bateman, said while these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Bateman said.
“Symptoms may appear between 7 and 18 days after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until Thursday 13 March 2025.
“It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective against measles and is 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 six 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.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.