NSW health is advising people in South Western Sydney to be alert for symptoms of measles following diagnosis of the infection in an adult, recently returned from South-East Asia. The case spent time in Ingleburn and Liverpool, and travelled on the 852 bus route between West Hoxton and Liverpool while unknowingly infectious. A list of exposure sites and times are provided below.
This is the fourth case of measles reported in NSW in September and is unrelated to recent cases in Lithgow and Richmond.
This case is yet another reminder of the importance for all people to ensure they are fully protected against preventable diseases such as measles prior to overseas travel.
Two doses of measles containing vaccine provide full immunity against measles in 99% of people. In Australia these are currently given at 12 and 18 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program. Adults born between 1966 and 1994 should not assume they received two doses as a child, as there were a number of changes to the vaccination schedule during this time.
Anyone born after 1966 who does not have evidence of previous measles infection, or having received two doses of vaccine in the past can access free measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine from General Practitioners in NSW. People who are unsure whether they have previously received two doses can safely be given another dose.
852 Bus (Carnes Hill Marketplace to Liverpool via Greenway Dr and Cowpasture Rd and return) from West Hoxton to Liverpool, 10:10am to 11:25am.
Liverpool Centrelink and Medicare Office, 211-231 Northumberland St Liverpool, 11:00am-1:00pm
Liverpool Westfield, Macquarie St Liverpool, 12:30pm-1:45pm
852 Bus (Carnes Hill Marketplace to Liverpool via Greenway Dr and Cowpasture Rd and return) from Liverpool to West Hoxton, 1:30pm to 2:40pm.
Ingleburn Centrelink Office, 27/31 Carlisle St Ingleburn, 10:45am-12:30pm
Coles Ingleburn, Ingleburn Village, 100 Macquarie Rd Ingleburn, 12:00pm-1:15pm
Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally about 10 days, but can be as long as 18 days.
The first symptoms to look out for are fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and feeling unwell. A red, spotty rash appears a few days later.
People with measles symptoms should stay home from work or school to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms, who plans on visiting a GP surgery or emergency department, is advised to call ahead to inform staff so that arrangements can be made to limit contact with others on arrival.
NSW Health encourages travellers to make sure they are fully protected against measles prior to overseas travel, as measles remains endemic in many areas including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and outbreaks are currently occurring across Europe and parts of South America.
People travelling with children aged less than 12 months are encouraged to discuss their travel plans with their GP, as the first dose of measles vaccine can be given earlier than 12 months if the child is planning travel to countries where measles remains endemic, or where outbreaks are occurring.
For more information please see our measles webpage.
