NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles across Sydney.
A person has recently been confirmed to have acquired measles in Sydney. This person has had no known contact with anyone else with measles and did not attend any known exposure locations in Sydney.
With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to measles.
In addition, NSW Health last week advised that a person with measles attended a number of locations across Sydney, reported on the NSW Health website.
South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith, 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 Smith said.
"It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. It's important for people to stay vigilant 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 fact sheet.
