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 in Sydney's Inner West.
The case recently returned from Southeast Asia where there have been ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries.
Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Isabel Hess, said people who attended the following locations should be on the lookout for symptoms.
- Metro Petroleum Enmore Road, 379 Enmore Rd, Enmore, on Thursday 7 November 2024 between 6.15am and 7am.
- Philter Brewing Public Bar, 92-98 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville, on Thursday 7 November 2024 between 6.30pm and 10pm.
- Marrickville Medical Centre, 5/296 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville, on Sunday 10 November 2024 between 9.15am and 11am.
"While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms," Dr Hess said.
"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.
"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 28 November 2024.
"Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
"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 fact sheet.
