NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case from QLD who was infectious while visiting many locations across Sydney.
In addition, there have been 3 cases of measles in Queensland associated with the Jelly Roll concert in Brisbane on 24 October.
People who visited any of the following locations at identified times should monitor for symptoms until Friday, 28 November. These locations pose no ongoing risk.
- The Oasis concert at ACCOR stadium in Sydney on Saturday 8 November
- Sydney airport, Sydney CBD, inner west locations and trains at various dates and times between Saturday 8 and Monday 10 November
- The full list of locations is listed on the NSW Health website
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, Executive Director Health Protection NSW, said measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.
"Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose 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," Dr McAnulty said.
"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 Friday 28 November.
"It's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
"We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
"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 (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 an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age 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 view the measles factsheet.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
