Measles case detected in Sydney after traveller returns from Southeast Asia
Residents in Sydney’s south are on alert about measles after a case was detected in the Sutherland Shire.
A traveler who returned from Southeast Asia, where a measles epidemic occurred, tested positive.
The person visited many locations throughout the state while unknowingly being infectious, including healthcare facilities, food outlets, shopping malls, retail stores and an auto repair shop.
Officials advised that a full list of exposure sites is available on the NSW Health website and people who travel to them should be alert for measles symptoms.
There have been 47 cases of measles detected in NSW this year, increasing the risk of contracting the deadly disease.
South East Sydney Local Health District public health doctor Anthea Katelaris said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, especially if they had visited any of the exposure sites at the specified time.
“If you develop symptoms and are in one of the places listed at the time listed on the website, contact your doctor or health service, including the emergency department,” Dr Katelaris said.
“To avoid spending time in waiting rooms with other patients, call ahead to let them know you may have been exposed to measles.
“Symptoms to look out for include fever, eye pain, runny nose and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, splotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Anyone with early symptoms and a rash a few days later should consider measles and get tested, even if they haven’t been to one of the designated locations.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure, so it is important for people visiting these locations to watch for symptoms during this period.”
Dr Katelaris said measles was a preventable disease that could be spread through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.
“More importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. The measles vaccine can prevent disease even after exposure if given early enough,” he said.
