NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a woman with the illness in western Sydney.
The woman had contact with an infant who was diagnosed with measles earlier in March.
Dr Conrad Moreira, Acting Director of the Public Health Unit at Western Sydney Local Health District said there is no ongoing risk to the public, but said it was important those who attended the locations below look out for symptoms.
Dr Moreira said if you, or someone you know, visited these locations you may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms.
- Baby Bunting, Blacktown Megacentre on 24 March between 3pm and 4pm
- Kmart Blacktown on 24 March between 4pm and 5pm
- Winston Hills Mall on 28 March between 12pm and 2.30pm
- Westmead Hospital Emergency Department on 29 March 2024 between 2pm and 10.30pm.
Dr Moreira urges people who may be susceptible to measles to get vaccinated and advises to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 16 April if they were in these places at these times.
“Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” Dr Moreira said.
Measles is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles. Anyone who develops symptoms should see their GP and call ahead to make sure they are not put in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr Moreira said.
“Measles is highly infectious and anyone born during or after 1966 needs to make sure they have received two doses of measles vaccine to be properly protected.
Vaccination is safe and very effective.
“Two doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine provide lifelong protection against measles. If you’re not sure whether you’ve been immunised against measles, it’s safe to have a dose.”
Free measles vaccine is available in NSW to anyone born during or after 1966 who doesn’t have two documented doses of measles vaccine.
Dr Moreira also emphasised the measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world. “Travellers should check they are protected against measles before heading overseas.”
“Infants from 6 months of age can have MMR vaccination to protect them when travelling overseas. Talk to your GP if you need more information.’
For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet.
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.
