South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) has just issued a measles alert.
It says a young male travelling from Pakistan has been confirmed as having measles. He is known to have visited Auburn, Lakemba and Bankstown from February 22 to March 1, while he was still infectious.
SWSLHD Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Conaty said measles was highly contagious.
“Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, sore eyes,’’ he said.
“A red rash develops after two to four days of symptoms, often starting on the face and spreading over the body.’’
Dr Conaty said anyone with these symptoms should stay home from school or work and not go out in public.
“If you experience these symptoms you should make an appointment to see your GP but make sure you call before you go to the clinic so they can make arrangements to see you without exposing others in the surgery or waiting room,” Dr Conaty said.
“Measles is a highly infectious virus that is spread through the air by someone who is unwell with the disease.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Measles can be very severe and can cause serious complications, ranging from ear infection to pneumonia or swelling of the brain.[/social_quote]
“The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is typically about 10 days but it can be as long as 18 days,” he said
Measles is now rare in Australia because of immunisation but many areas of the world continue to experience outbreaks.
Children and adults born during or since 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine or evidence of measles infection are considered to be susceptible to measles.
SWSLHD is urging people born during or after 1966 to ensure they are fully immunised against measles, particularly before they travel overseas.
NSW Health offers free MMR vaccine through GPs for people born after 1966.
“The free MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Two doses of the vaccine are required for lifelong protection,” Dr Conaty said.
For more information visit the measles website link here.
