measles

NSW Health has issued a warning after a young man recently returned from Thailand with measles, and visited some of the busiest spots in Sydney at their most popular time of year, including a shopping centre on Christmas eve.

The man developed symptoms around a week after returning to Australia, but is recovered and no longer infectious.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health is urging Sydney-siders to be aware of symptoms.

Measles are highly contagious.

“The time for exposure to the disease to the onset of symptoms is typically about 10 days, but can be as long as 18 days so people should be alert until January 14,” she said.

The man was in the following locations while infectious:

Governor Phillip Tower, Sydney, in the morning on Thursday 20 December

Totti’s, 283 Bondi Road, Bondi, in the afternoon on Thursday 20 December

St Vincent’s Emergency Department in the evening Monday 24 until Christmas morning and again in the afternoon and evening on Thursday 27 December

What is measles?
SYMPTOMS
Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing and sneezing.

First symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough are usually followed three to four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

“People in the 20-40 year age bracket may have missed out on the full vaccination program for measles and mistakenly believe they are protected against the disease.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective protection against measles, and I urge anyone travelling to South East Asia to see their GP for a free shot if they are not fully protected.

“If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is quite safe to have another dose before you travel,” said Dr Sheppeard.

She also advises those with symptoms to head to their GP, but to call ahead so they are not waiting in rooms with other patients.

The NSW Government has invested $120 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

The latest reports show vaccination rates in New South Wales are at their highest level ever, with more than 94-per-cent of five year olds vaccinated against measles.

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