Bold warning: measles is back in NSW, and two new cases have the public on alert. NSW Health is urging everyone to be vigilant for measles symptoms after confirming two more infections, including one traveler returning from South-East Asia where outbreaks are ongoing, and another traveler from out of state.
The two cases visited multiple sites across Sydney while unknowingly contagious. NSW Health has added new exposure locations to its website (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/measles/Pages/public-exposure-locations.aspx). If you were at any of those places at the listed times, monitor yourself for symptoms. The exposure sites themselves do not represent a continuing risk after the specified period.
If you were exposed less than six days ago and you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have an infant who was exposed, contact your local Public Health Unit at 1300 066 055 right away.
Right now, NSW faces a higher measles risk, with 17 cases confirmed this year so far.
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, stresses that people should watch for measles symptoms, especially if you visited any listed exposure locations during the relevant times. If symptoms appear, see a doctor or visit an health service promptly, and call ahead to mention possible measles exposure to avoid spending time in waiting rooms with others.
Classic signs to watch include fever, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough, typically followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and moves downward.
Even if you don’t recall visiting the listed sites, if you develop early symptoms and later develop a rash, consider measles and seek testing.
Symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, so people who visited the exposure locations should remain vigilant for that window.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. Vaccination remains the best defense. As Dr. Sheppeard notes, staying up to date with immunizations matters, and the measles vaccine can still prevent disease if given early after exposure.
Everyone born after 1965 should have two doses of the measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, given current outbreaks around the world.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and provided for free in NSW for children at 12 and 18 months old. It is also free for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t had two doses yet.
For infants under 12 months who are traveling overseas, a dose of MMR can be given from six months of age after consulting a GP.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, you should get the vaccine now—additional doses are safe, especially before travel. MMR vaccines are available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (over 5s).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Measles_Factsheet.aspx).
You can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller site (https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/) for health-risk information related to travel, including measles outbreaks in various destinations.
If you or a loved one are experiencing measles symptoms or have questions, contact your GP or Healthdirect at 1800 022 222.
