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 several locations in inner west Sydney.
The case recently returned from South East Asia were there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Sunday 13 April 2025
Leichhardt MarketPlace Aldi: 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Wednesday 16 April 2025
Leichhardt MarketPlace MyHealth Medical Centre: 2:00pm – 3:20pm
South Western Sydney District Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said if you visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a serious vaccine-preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Smith said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose 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 Sunday 4th May 2025.
“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.
“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.
“In addition, people at these locations who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or anyone, including babies, who has not received a measles vaccine may benefit from preventative treatment. People in these groups should speak to their GP urgently or contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.”
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 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).
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.