Travel

Measles alert issued for Sydney

By Copy Link Share Via Email Share On X Share On Facebook Share On Whatsapp

Copyright news

Measles alert issued for Sydney

NSW Health says the person visited several locations across Sydney while infectious including Umaya Restaurant at Macquarie Shopping Centre at Macquarie Park between 11.30am and 1.15pm on Tuesday.

Alerts have also been issued for people who were on Virgin Australia flight VA572 from Perth to Sydney on September 12, the Domestic terminal at Sydney that morning, and VA505 from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

Authorities have warned people to watch for the development of symptoms.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.

NSW Health Director of Public Health Michael Slater said: “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it is really important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms until October 4.”

People who develop symptoms are advised to call their GP or emergency department to say they may have measles and avoid contact with other patients in waiting rooms.

Dr Slater reminded people to make they were up to date with their vaccinations, which could prevent the disease even after exposure.

“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious,” he said.

“Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine.

“This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are currently occurring in several regions of the world.”

NSW Health said the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective and given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.

Children under the age of 12 months can have a dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. 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.

Exposure sites are listed health.nsw.gov.au/measleslocations.