Measles Outbreak In Western Sydney

NSW Health has issued an alert for an outbreak of measles in South Western and Western Sydney. 

Three infants and a young adult from the western Sydney region, and a young adult from Queensland who spent time in far northern NSW, have contracted the disease.

Of the cases, the three were infants were too young to be vaccinated and the adult could not remember their vaccination status. One infant acquired the disease from a previously reported case.

• Known locations that patients visited while infectious with measles include:
• Hillsong Church, Bella Vista 26 March - 11am-12:30pm
• Westpoint Shopping Centre, Blacktown 25 March – lunch period
• Costco Lidcombe 24 March - lunch period
• Total Tools, Parramatta Rd, - Auburn 24 March – early afternoon
• Toongabbie RSL 23 March - between 5:30 – 7:30pm
• Auburn town centre 23 March - between 11am – 1pm
• Chester Hill Minett’s Pharmacy - around 8pm

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 you local GP and make sure you have had the recommended 2 doses. 

Symptoms of 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.

People with measles symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible, stay home from work or school, and limit other activities to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.Children shold be excluded for 4 days after the onset of the rash

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

Reference: 

NSW Health Alert: Potential Measles Outbreak