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Sydney is on alert for measles after NSW Health issued a warning to the public on Sunday that a case had emerged in the western suburbs.
The woman contracted the disease after coming into contact with a child who had been diagnosed with measles only days before.
Dr Conrad Moreira, Acting Director of the Public Health Unit at Western Sydney Local Health District, said there is no ongoing risk to the public, but urges people who may be susceptible to measles to get vaccinated.
He added that anyone who had been in the following locations, or had contact with the woman, should be on alert for signs and symptoms of measles until April 16.
- Baby Bunting, Blacktown Megacentre on 24 March between 3pm and 4pm
- Kmart Blacktown on 24 March between 4pm and 5pm
- Winston Hills Mall on 28 March between 12pm and 2.30pm
- Westmead Hospital Emergency Department on 29 March 2024 between 2pm and 10.30pm.
“Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose 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 Moreira said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles,” Dr Moreira continued.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should see their GP and call ahead to make sure they are not put in the waiting room with other patients.”
Measles is highly infectious and is spread through the air when an infectious person coughs or sneezes.
Australia was declared measles free in 2014 after a high vaccination rate. It is still considered a rare disease.
28 people have been diagnosed this year.
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