Baby Contracts Measles In Sydney - Warning of Outbreak Issued

NSW Health has issued a warning for an outbreak of measles after an unvaccinated baby from South East Asia has contracted the disease in Sydney.

'The time from exposure to the disease to the onset of symptoms is typically about 10 days but can be as long as 18 days so people should be alert to symptoms until 6 September,' said Dr Vicky Sheppard from NSW Health.

The baby travelled to several locations in Sydney – including Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo and the Botanical Gardens – as well as Perisher, Canberra and Jindabyne between August 17 and 19.

The full list of locations the baby visited includes

• Marayong
• Blacktown
• Circular Quay
• Taronga Zoo
• Opera House
• Botanical Gardens
• Darling Harbour
• Chinatown
• Siesta Villa East Jindabyne
• Jindabyne
• Perisher
• Papparich
• Coles in Canberra
• Lindt Chocolate Factory in Marsden Park

The highly contagious disease is easily transferred through the air and NSW Health has warned those who visited the same places as the infant to be particularly vigilant for any symptoms.

Symptoms of the measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough, followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body.

It is important for everyone to ensure that they have received at least two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MMR). Infants and young children are vaccinated with measles-containing vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age. Older children and adults born during or after 1966 should ensure that they have been vaccinated with two doses of vaccine. The Measles vaccine is free, so please make sure you visit your local GP and make sure you have had the recommended 2 doses.

For more information in regards to signs, symptoms and prevention of measles, read: Measles

Reference:
Hedges, Laura "Measles outbreak warning: Tourists' Unvaccinated Baby Catches The Deadly Disease", Daily Mail Australia, 24 August 2018