NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case of measles who was infectious while visiting several locations in Sydney.
The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
People who attended the following locations at the following times may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Friday 14 February
- Westfield Eastgardens including Kmart and Myer from 1:30pm to 2:30pm and Ms Dumplings from 2pm to 3pm
- Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, Botany from 7pm to 9pm
Saturday 15 February
- The Brothers Cafe, Darling Square (Haymarket) from 1pm to 2:30pm
- Eternity Cafe, Town Hall from 2:15pm to 3:45pm
- Queen Victoria Building (QVB) from 3:15pm to 4pm
- Myer Sydney City (various levels including parents' room) from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
- OPSM, 413 George Street, Sydney from 4pm to 4:40pm
- Bunnings, Alexandria from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Sunday 16 February
- Westfield Eastgardens including the food court, Coles, Big W, Kmart, Target and Priceline from 12pm to 2:30pm
Monday 17 February
- Botany Road Doctors, Suite 3 530 Botany Road, Rosebery from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
- Seasoning Thai, Alexandria from 5pm to 6pm
Tuesday 18 February
- Westfield Eastgardens including the food court, Coles, Big W, Target, Bakers Delight and Kmart from 4:30pm to 6pm
- Wednesday 19 February
- Westfield Eastgardens including Big W, Target and Kmart from 4:30pm to 6pm and OPSM from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Thursday 20 February
- Botany Road Doctors, Suite 3 530 Botany Road, Rosebery from 1:00pm-3:45pm
- Chemist Warehouse, Botany from 3:30pm to 4:10pm
- IGA, Botany from 3:45pm to 4:30pm
NSW Health Director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, Dr Christine Selvey said while these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
"Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body," Dr Selvey said.
"Symptoms may appear between 7 and 18 days after an exposure, so it's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, 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."
"This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is very infectious."
"Anyone born during or after 1966 needs to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine, this is particularly important prior to 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 against measles and is included on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn't already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR vaccine up to 6 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 2 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.
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.
