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 across NSW.
The case is an adult who recently returned from south-east Asia where there have been ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries. Anyone travelling is urged to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, including measles vaccination.
Public health officials are liaising with the person to confirm time spent at the following locations but urge anyone who attended the following locations during these dates to monitor for symptoms.
People who attended the following locations on these dates should watch for the development of symptoms:
Monday 16 December:
- Byron Bay Beach, between 9.00am and 12.00pm
- United Petroleum, 2910 Pacific Highway, Mullaway
- Coffs Central Shopping Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
- Woolworths, 7 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, between 4.40 and 5.15pm
- Wingham Riverside Reserve camping site, from 5.30pm
Tuesday 17 December:
- Newcastle Bogey Hole pool
- The Grand Hotel, 32 Church Street, Newcastle
- Woolworths, 23 Steel Street, Newcastle West
- McDonalds Liverpool Mega Centre, Orange Grove Road, Liverpool
- BP Truck stop, 155 Pennant Hills Road, Normanhurst
- Bungonia Campground, Bungonia Access Road, Bungonia, from 5.00pm
Wednesday 18 December:
Coles Express, corner of Mount Street and Middle Street, Gundagai
Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said people who visited the above locations should be on the lookout for symptoms.
"Symptoms to watch out for include fever, 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 McAnulty said.
"It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it's important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 5 January in the new year."
"We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations."
"This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious."
"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 and is 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 three 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 .
