Western Sydney residents have been urged to be on alert for measles symptoms after an infant who returned from South East Asia was found to be infected. The infant, too young to be vaccinated, had been in an area with ongoing measles outbreaks. Dr Catherine Bateman, Director of the Public Health Unit at Western Sydney, emphasized that while there is no ongoing risk to the public, individuals who visited specific locations should be vigilant for symptoms.
Measles symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The virus is airborne and can be transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may appear up to 18 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to contact their GP and call ahead to avoid contact with other patients.
The measles vaccine is available free of charge to individuals in NSW born during or after 1966 who have not received two doses. A list of exposure sites includes Flight VJ085 from Ho Chi Minh City arriving at Sydney International Airport on March 2, as well as several locations at Sydney International Airport, Rhodes Waterside, and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms. The measles outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health awareness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
