Australians have been warned to monitor for measles symptoms after an infected traveller visited several locations around Sydney while contagious.
New South Wales Health has flagged three specific locations in the city’s inner-west that were visited by the sick Australian, who recently returned from southeast Asia.
The high-risk places were Metro Petroleum at 379 Enmore Road on Thursday, November 7 between 6.15am and 7am; Philter Brewing Public Bar at 92-98 Sydenham Road at Marrickville on the same day between 6.30pm and 10pm; and Marrickville Medical Centre at 5/296 Marrickville Road on Sunday, November 10 between 9.15am and 11am.
‘While these locations pose no ongoing risk, if you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms,’ Sydney Local Health District Acting Director of Public Health Dr Isabel Hess said.
‘Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
‘It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 28 November 2024.’
The rash associated with measles typically shows within seven to 18 days of infection on the face and upper neck.
It typically spreads over three days and lasts five to six days.
People who visited Sydney’s inner-west have been urged to monitor for symptoms of measles
Complications of the disease include blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea and dehydration, ear infections, and severe breathing problems.
Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to warn their GP or emergency department prior to their visit to avoid further contamination.
Dr Hess urged all Australians to stay up-to-date with their measles vaccinations amid several global outbreaks.
Those who are unsure if they’ve already had two doses should get a vaccine as additional doses are safe.
Measles symptoms, including a rash (pictured) can take up to 18 days to appear after exposure
‘The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,’ Dr Hess said.
‘This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.
‘Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine.
‘This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.’
The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age and free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
