NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in Sydney.
The case recently returned from South-East Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
Wednesday 20 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 6.45pm to 7.35pm
- The University of New South Wales Main Library from 11.30am to 2.30pm
Thursday 21 August:
- Bus Route 320 Zetland to Surry Hills from 11am to 12:00pm
- Noffs Op Shop, 332 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30 pm
- Storerooms Vintage, 294-296 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- C's Flashback Recycled Clothing store, 314 Crown Street Surry Hills from 11.30am to 1:30pm
- KFC, 30-34 Chalmers St Surry Hills from 1.00pm to 2.10pm
- Savers, Surry Hills from 1.40pm to 3.10pm
Friday 22 August:
- Coles, East Village Shopping Mall, Zetland from 7.50pm to 8.35pm
Sunday 24 August:
- Bowan Bakery, Zetland from 9.20am to 11.30am
- East Village Shopping Mall Vodafone Store from 11.00am to 11.35am
- East Village Shopping Mall Optus Store from 11.00am to 11.40am
- Green Square Train Station, train from Green Square to Circular Quay from 11.45am to 12.40pm
- Gateway Sydney Foodcourt including Mad Mex and Sammi's, Circular Quay from 1.00pm to 2.15pm
- Circular Quay Station, train from Circular Quay to Green Square from 3.45pm to 4.30pm
Monday 25 August:
- Maroubra Urgent Care Centre from 1.30pm to 5.00pm
- Maroubra Medical and Dental Centre and Laverty Pathology waiting room, 806/812 Anzac Parade Maroubra between 3.30pm to 4.30pm
- ALDI Supermarket, Pacific Square Maroubra from 4.40pm to 5.35pm
- Bus Route 396 Maroubra to Kensington from 5.15pm to 6.05pm
- Lucky Supermarket, 132 Anzac Parade Kensington from 5.35pm to 6.10pm
Wednesday 27 August:
- Prince of Wales Hospital Emergency Department, Randwick from 6.00am to 12.30pm
Sydney Local Health District Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Isabel Hess, 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 Hess 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.
"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 15 September.
"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.
"We want to remind the community to make sure they are 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."
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 a 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.
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