Measles alerts - January 2019

These alerts are no longer current

NSW Health is again warning passengers on an international flight to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, after a woman, who acquired the infection while visiting family in the Philippines, was diagnosed with the infection. The woman was infectious during her flight from Singapore arriving at Sydney International Airport on 22 January.

This brings the number of infectious measles cases in the state since Christmas to twelve.

NSW Health encourages all people 12 months of age or older, and born during or after 1966 to make sure they have received two doses of measles vaccine. Measles vaccine is available for free from GPs in NSW for people who do not have evidence of measles immunity. For people who are unsure of whether they have previously received two doses, it is safe to receive more than two. This is particularly important when planning travel.

People who spent time in the same place as these cases are urged to be on the lookout for symptoms until 9 February, as the time from exposure to onset of symptoms can be up to 18 days (usually around 10 days).

Potential exposure sites and times for the eleven cases from January 2019 are provided below.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes, and runny nose, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which begins on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body.

People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. NSW Health recommends calling ahead to the practice or emergency department to alert of them of your symptoms so that measures can be taken to limit your exposure to others upon your arrival.

Measles case 11: alert issued 31 January 2019

Singapore Airlines flight SQ231, Sydney International Airport: 22 January

Passengers on this flight and in the international aiport at the same time as this person should be alert for symptoms until 9 February.

Measles case 10: alert issued 25 January 2019

Cebu Pacific Flight 5J41, Sydney International Airport, Train from Airport to Epping, Cherrybrook, Hornsby Hospital Emergency Department, 19 January: 23 January

A man in his early fifties, who acquired the infection while visiting family in the Philippines, was diagnosed with measles after returning to Sydney. The man was infectious during his flight from Manilla arriving at Sydney International Airport on 20 January. People in the same locations at the same time as the man should be alert for symptoms until 9 February.

Measles case 9: alert issued 25 January 2019

Mildura (Victoria) and Wentworth (NSW): 15-21 January

An infant, who was too young to be vaccinated, spent time in and around the Mildura (Victoria) region while infectious. Exposures in NSW were limited. At this stage the source of the infant's infection is unknown. People in the same locations as the infant at the same time, should be alert for symptoms until 8 February.

Measles case 8: alert issued 24 January 2019

Sydney (Inner City), Woonona, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Bradbury: 18-21 January

An infant, too young to have received measles vaccine prior to travel, was diagnosed with the infection after returning from South East Asia. The infant visited a number of locations while unknowingly infectious. People in the following locations at the same time as the infant should be alert for symptoms of measles until 9 February.

Measles cases 6 and 7: alert issued 15 January 2019

Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 221 , Sydney International Airport (including train station), Ryde Hospital, Carlingford Epping Surgery General Practice, two Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology Centres: 10-14 January

Two unvaccinated siblings have been diagnosed with measles, following a trip to Sri Lanka. The children from Northern Sydney developed symptoms during a scheduled stopover in Singapore, but a diagnosis was not made until they returned to Sydney. The children visited a number of locations while infectious, including a medical centre and Emergency Department. Patients attending these locations at the same time as the children are being contacted directly and offered preventive therapy where relevant.

People on the same flight as the children, and those in the International Airport on the morning of Friday 11 January; including those who were in the International Airport Train Station, may be at risk of developing measles until 29 January.

Measles case 5: alert issued 14 January 2019

Qantas flight QF20, Sydney International Airport, Leichardt Medical and Dental Centre: 11-12 January 2019

A Sydney man has developed measles infection after returning from the Philippines. The man is his 20s, was isolated quickly when presenting to his doctor's surgery, as measles was highly suspected. Patients in the practice at the same time as the man have been contacted directly and offered preventive treatment where appropriate. Those on the same flight as the man, and people in the International Airport on Friday morning may be at risk of developing measles until 29 January.

Measles case 4: alert issued 10 January 2019

Darling Harbour, Town Hall, Newtown and Marrickville: 4-10 January 2019

A Sydney man who was a close contact of the case reported on 3 January has developed measles nine days after his first exposure to the disease.

The man spent time in a number of locations around Sydney CBD and the Inner West while infectious. People who spent time in the same locations as the man may be at risk of developing measles up until 26 January 2019.

Measles case 3: alert issued 8 January 2019

Riverside Precinct Woodburn, John Hunter Hospital: 5-6 January 2019

A teenager from Queensland has developed measles symptoms while visiting NSW. The teenager is believed to have acquired their infection during a recent trip to Myanmar. People who were at the following locations at the same time as the teenager may be at risk of developing measles until 24 January 2019:

Measles case 2: alert issued 3 January 2019

Chatswood, Pokolbin, Royal North Shore Hospital: 27-31 December 2018

A child visiting from overseas developed measles symptoms while visiting NSW on Christmas Eve. Prior to being diagnosed with measles and isolated the child visited several locations. People who were at these locations at the same time as the child may be at risk of developing measles up to 18 January 2019:

Measles case 1: alert issued 2 January 2019

Thornleigh, Umina Beach, Woy Woy: 26-30 December 2018

An ACT resident who probably acquired measles from a recently returned overseas traveller who was unknowingly infectious while visiting NSW from 26-30 December. People who were at the following locations at the same time as the visitor may be at risk of developing measles up to 17 January 2019:

About measles

Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease.

People are at risk of measles if they are exposed to an infectious case, and have never had measles, or have not received two doses of measles containing vaccine. Two doses of measles containing vaccine provide lifelong protection against infection in 99 per cent of people. Most people born before 1966 are assumed to be immune to measles.

In Australia measles containing vaccine is given to children at 12 months of age as measles mumps rubella (MMR) and 18 months of age as measles mumps rubella varicella (MMRV).

Anyone in NSW, born after 1966, who has not received two doses of measles containing vaccine can visit their GP for free MMR vaccine. People born between 1966 and 1994 should not assume they have received two doses of vaccine as changes to the vaccination schedule over time mean they may have only received one dose. People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses can safely receive another dose.

Travellers, are encouraged to discuss their travel plans with their GP to ensure that they are protected against preventable diseases such as measles prior to travel. While measles is rare in Australia, it remains endemic in many countries including most of southern and south east Asia, and large outbreaks are currently occurring in Europe, the United States, and parts of South America.

People travelling with children under the age of 12 months should discuss travel plans with their doctor, as the first dose of the vaccine can be given as early as 9 months of age, if the child is travelling to an area where measles is endemic, or outbreaks are occurring.

For more information refer to Measles.