A new case of measles has been reported in a young Sydney man recently returned from travel to South East Asia.
The man, who reports being vaccinated as a child, spent time in parts of Hornsby, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Sydney CBD, Newtown and Erskineville, and also travelled by public transport while infectious:
Sunday 30 June
- Hornsby Westfield: Food Court, Joyful House Restaurant, Timezone. 2-4pm
Tuesday 2 July
- Train from Wahroonga to Wynyard. Approximately 8.15am.
- Train from Wynyard to Newtown. Approximately 12.40pm.
- Travers Gray Real Estate, Erskineville Rd, Erskineville. Approximately 1pm.
- Train from Newtown to Wynyard. Approximately 1.30pm.
- Priceline Pharmacy, Margaret Street, Sydney. Approximately 6.10pm.
- Bus from Stand R Wynyard Station to Lane Cove Interchange. Approximately 6.30pm
Wednesday 3 July and Thursday 4 July
- Bus from Lane Cove Interchange to Wynyard Station. Approximately 8.45am.
- Bus from Stand R Wynyard Station to Lane Cove Interchange. Approximately 6.45pm.
Friday 5 July
- Lane Cove General Practice – Longueville Rd, Lane Cove. Approximately 8.30am to 9.15am.
Sunday 7 July
- Goodfields Eatery, Lindfield Ave, Lindfield. Approximately 9.30am.
Monday 8 July
- Hornsby Westfield: Kmart. Approximately 10.40am.
- Broadway Shopping Centre, Broadway, Ultimo. Approximately 1pm.
- Woolworths Erskineville (Metro), Erskineville Rd, Newtown. Approximately 1.30pm.
- Blue Dog Posters, King St, Newtown. Approximately 4.30pm.
- Train from Erskineville to Wynyard. Approximately 5.20pm.
- King George V Recreation Centre, Cumberland St, The Rocks. Approximately 6pm.
- Train from Wynyard to Redfern. Approximately 7pm.
- IGA Waterloo, Botany Rd, Waterloo. Approximately 7.30pm.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said none of the locations visited by the man pose an ongoing risk.
It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles. People in the same places at the same time as the man should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 26 July.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should phone their GP to ensure they don’t wait alongside other patients before seeing their doctor.
“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles,” she said.
Two doses of measles vaccine provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated.
“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”
Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.
While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with someone who has measles to remain alert for symptoms.
If symptoms develop they should limit their exposure to others and seek medical care.
Measles is eliminated from Australia, but remains common in some countries popular with overseas travellers. All travellers are urged to check they are fully vaccinated before they leave Australia to reduce the risk of catching measles while overseas.
Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
The latest Annual Immunisation Coverage Report shows vaccination rates in NSW are at their highest level ever, with more than 95% of five year olds vaccinated against measles.
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