Measles Alert Issued for Sydney as Source of Infection Remains Unknown
Sydney, NSW – Health officials are alerting the public to a confirmed case of measles in Sydney, with the source of infection currently unknown, raising concerns of potential community transmission. NSW Health reports the individual had no known contact with other measles cases and did not visit any previously identified exposure locations.
This confirmation comes alongside a separate notification last week regarding a measles case involving an individual who attended multiple Sydney locations, details of which are available on the NSW Health website.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease spread through the air via coughing or sneezing. symptoms typically begin with a fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and cough, followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and face to the body, according to Dr. Mitchell Smith, Director of Public Health for South Western sydney Local Health district.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure,” Dr. Smith said. “It’s important for people to stay vigilant 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.”
NSW Health urges residents to ensure their measles vaccinations are up to date. Anyone born after 1965 requires two doses of the measles vaccine, particularly before international travel, as outbreaks are occurring globally.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is freely available in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months, and for anyone born after 1965 who has not received two doses. Children under 12 months travelling overseas can receive an early MMR dose from six months of age, with GP consultation recommended. Additional doses are safe for those unsure of their vaccination status.
MMR vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and pharmacies for individuals over five years of age. Further details can be found on the NSW Health measles factsheet: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx.
Individuals experiencing measles symptoms or with questions are advised to contact their GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
