The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is warning people in Richmond to watch for measles symptoms after a second adult in the District developed the infection. The adult, who was not vaccinated, spent time at Richmond Marketplace on Monday 17 September - see details below. This second patient developed measles after spending time with the recently reported measles case in Lithgow.
On 14 September, the District issued a measles alert regarding the first measles case, urging residents of Lithgow and Portland who may have been exposed to this case to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles infection. A list of specific exposure sites is provided below.
Measles is highly contagious. It can be spread by coughing or sneezing by someone who is infected.
People with measles symptoms should stay home from work or school to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.
Spendless Shoes at Richmond Marketplace80 March Street Richmond
(and other locations in the Marketplace)
Portland Medical Practice, 20 Green Street, Portland
Portland Pharmacy, 59 Williwa Street, Portland
Lithgow Hospital Emergency Department, Great Western Highway, Lithgow - during the evening
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.
Anyone born after 1966 who has not received two doses of measles containing vaccine is at risk of catching measles if exposed. People born in Australia before 1966 are generally considered to be immune, as measles was much more common during this time.
Measles vaccines are provided free to children at 12 months and 18 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program.
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.
People born between 1966 and 1994 should not assume they are fully protected against measles because changing vaccination schedules during this period may mean they have not received two doses of vaccine. People who are unsure if they have received two doses of a measles vaccine in the past can safely be given another measles vaccine.
Measles vaccine is available for free from GPs in NSW for people born during or after 1966 who do not have documented evidence of having received two doses.
For more information please see our measles webpage.
