Source: Australian Green Party
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 a number of locations in Sydney’s northern beaches.
The case was a close contact of a recently reported case of measles in Northern Sydney.
People who attended the following locations at the times listed below should watch out for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Dee Why Discount Vitamins,2/681 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September11:00am to 11:30am
Monday, 13 October
Twist Espresso & Wine23 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September11:20am to 12:30pm
Monday, 13 October
Chemist Warehouse Dee Why23 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September12:00pm to 12:40pm
Monday, 13 October
Woolworths Dee Why37 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Thursday, 25 September12:15pm to 1:30pm
Monday, 13 October
Mex & Co Manly30-32 S Steyne, Manly
Saturday, 27 September6:30m to 8:30pm
Wednesday,15 October
Northern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Michael Staff, said people who visited the above locations at the specified times should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Staff 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 this location to monitor for symptoms until the day indicated above for each location.
“Anyone who develop symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to say they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
“We want to again 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 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.”
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 in 1966 or after who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six 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 current measles exposure locations visit Measles public exposure locations in NSW.
For more information on measles, read the measles fact sheet.
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.