NSW Health is advising people to be alert for symptoms of measles after a Western Sydney man diagnosed with the disease visited a number of locations in Sydney while infectious.
The man in his thirties, who has an uncertain vaccination history, had not travelled prior to his illness and investigations into the source of his infection are underway.
Dr Sean Tobin, NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, said this is the second recent case of locally acquired measles in Sydney not linked to a known measles case.
“It should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles,” Dr Tobin said.
“Measles is highly contagious and anyone born during or after 1966 should ensure they have had two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 vaccinated people.
“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.”
The man spent time in the following locations while infectious:
Sunday 15 September
- McDonald’s Blacktown, corner of Sunnyholt Rd and Third Ave Blacktown, 9:20am to 9:50am
- Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark, Priceline, Collette Accessories, Napoleon, Myer, Woolworths and Boost Juice, between 10:20 to 11:50am
- 7-Eleven Guildford, 272-278 Woodville Rd Guildford, 12:45pm to 12.50pm
- Piccadilly Secure Car Park, 137 Castlereagh St Sydney, 5:50pm to 6:00pm and around 11.00pm
- Doltone House, Hyde Park, 3/181 Elizabeth Street Sydney, 6:00pm to 10:35pm
Monday 14 September
- Outback Steakhouse, 323 Great Western Highway Wentworthville, 3:50pm to 3:55pm
- Caltex Petrol Station, 313 Great Western Highway Wentworthville, 3:55pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday 17 September
- Caffe Cherry Beans, and Kellyville Plaza 90/92 Wrights Rd Kellyville, 8:00am to 8:05am
- Kellyville High School, corner of York Rd and Queensbury Ave Kellyville, 8:10am to 3:45pm
Wednesday 18 September
- Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark, Chemist Warehouse, Boost Juice, Woolworths and Myer, between 10:45am and 11:40am
Thursday 19 September
- Kellyville High School, corner of York Rd and Queensbury Ave, Kellyville 6:40am to 6:50am
- 7-Eleven Guildford, 272-278 Woodville Rd Guildford, 10:55am to 11:00am
- Westfield Parramatta, including the Level 7 Carpark and Woolworths, between 3:50pm and 5:00pm.
Local public health unit staff are identifying people who have been in close contact with the case and arranging preventive treatment if required.
Dr Tobin said people who had been in the same locations at the same times as the man should be alert for signs and symptoms of measles until 7 October 2019.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles. Anyone who develops symptoms should arrange to see their GP and call ahead to ensure they don’t wait alongside other patients,” Dr Tobin said.
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious with the disease coughs or sneezes.
NSW Health makes the measles vaccine available free for anyone born during or after 1966 who doesn’t have two documented doses of measles vaccine.
“If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated against measles in the past, it’s safe to have a dose,” Dr Tobin said.
The NSW Government is investing $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
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