New cases increase measles outbreak risk
NSW Health has warned Sydneysiders to be alert for signs of measles after two new cases were detected on Saturday.
The latest cases visited multiple locations across Sydney, including Sydney International Airport and Northern Beaches Hospital, and became unknowingly infectious. One case is a traveler returning from Southeast Asia, where measles outbreaks continue, and the other is an interstate traveler.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 17 cases confirmed since January 1.
NSW Health Protection Executive Director Dr. Vicky Sheppeard said it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.
“If you develop symptoms and are there at the time specified on the website, contact your doctor or healthcare service, including the emergency room. To avoid spending time in waiting rooms with other patients, call ahead to let them know you may have been exposed to measles,” he said.
“Symptoms to watch for include fever, runny nose, eye pain and cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, splotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.”
NSW Health said listed places Do not pose an ongoing risk.
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New places of exposure and how long to monitor for symptoms
- Jetstar Flight JQ505/JST505 Sydney to Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne Departed at 8am on Wednesday, February 18 (monitor for symptoms until Sunday, March 8)
- Sydney Domestic Airport Terminal 2 Departures Between 5.30am and 8.30am on Wednesday, February 18 (monitor for symptoms until Sunday, March 8)
- Advanced Health Pharmacy Bankstown Open Tuesday, February 17, 16.45 to 17.30 (monitor for symptoms until Saturday, March 7)
- Sydney International Airport arrival taxi rank Open Tuesday, February 17, 13:00 to 13:45 (monitor for symptoms until Saturday, March 7)
- Sydney International Airport arrivals terminal and baggage claim area Open Tuesday, February 17, 11:00 to 13:30 (monitor for symptoms until Saturday, March 7)
- Garuda Indonesia Flight GA712/GIA712Jakarta to Sydney International Airport Departed at 00:08 Jakarta time on Tuesday, February 17th and arrived at 11am (monitor for symptoms until Saturday, March 7th)
- Northern Beaches Hospital Ward 4C From Saturday, February 14 at 20.08 until Monday, February 16 at 1.56 pm (monitor for symptoms until Friday, March 6)
- Northern Beaches Hospital Emergency Department Saturday, February 14, between 11.40 and 20.50 (monitor for symptoms until Wednesday, March 4)
- Brookvale Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Open Saturday, February 14, 10.40 to 12.05 (monitor for symptoms until Wednesday, March 4)
Ellie Busby is a Parramatta reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
