NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a person who was infectious on an international flight into Sydney and a domestic flight to the Gold Coast.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms:
- Jetstar flight JQ4 from Honolulu arriving at Sydney International Airport at 4:29pm Friday 17 January
- Qantas flight QF596 from Sydney to Gold Coast departed Sydney T3 at 9:03pm Friday 17 January
- Sydney International Airport from 4:30pm - 6:30pm Friday 17 January
- Bus from Sydney International to Sydney Domestic Airport T3 between 5:30pm - 6:30pm Friday 17 January
- Sydney Domestic Airport T3 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm Friday 17 January
NSW Health Director of the Communicable Diseases Branch, Dr Christine Selvey said while these locations pose no ongoing risks, people who were on the flights or transiting between the terminals at those times should be on the lookout for symptoms.
"Symptoms to watch out for 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 and face to the rest of the body," Dr Selvey 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 Tuesday 4 February. If you experience symptoms, please call ahead before visiting your doctor.
"We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.
"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 given 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 .
