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NSW Health has issued a measles alert, urging residents to be alert for any signs and symptoms of measles after a confirmed case from Vietnam boarded an international flight while infectious and visited several locations across Sydney.
Latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that the measles outbreak in Vietnam is “still very much ongoing”, and there are continued surges in cases in central and northern Vietnam. There are also new outbreaks in parts of the country that had yet to be reported before.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles and the significant immunity gaps, many un- or under-vaccinated children are exposed to infection.
The confirmed case arrived at Sydney Airport on a Jetstar flight from Ho Chi Minh City on March 9.
Individuals who were travelling on Jetstar flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh to Sydney at 10.40pm arriving in Sydney at 11am on Monday March 10, and were then at baggage claims at Sydney International Airport upon arrival have been told to watch for symptoms.
The infectious case visited 169 Cafe in Randwick from 1.30pm to 2.05pm and Ooshman Maroubra between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
On March 13, the infectious case spent time at Matraville Medical Complex between 12.30 and 1.30pm and Healthsave Pharmacy from 1.30pm to 1.35pm.
Then, on Saturday 15 March, they visited Matraville Medical Complex, 492 Bunnerong Road, Matraville from 9:50 am to 10:50 am and was in the Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Department waiting room from 10:15 am to 1:30pm.
Director of Public Health Cautions People to Monitor For Symptoms
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, said anyone who visited the above locations at those times should monitor for symptoms.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
Measles symptoms can take as long as 18 days to appear after exposure.
Dr Sheppeard advised individuals who visited these locations to look out for symptoms until 2 April.
“If they develop symptoms, they should call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,” Dr Sheppeard said.
The SES LHD Director of Public Health emphasised the importance of the community staying up to date with their vaccinations, “The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.”
“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.”
Measles Vaccine: ‘Safe and Effective’
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months early if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, individuals can view NSW Health’s Measles fact sheet.
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