NSW Health has issued a measles alert for Sydney after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious in the city earlier this month.
The person had recently returned from South East Asia, where outbreaks are active, and visited multiple public locations while infectious, health authorities said on Friday.
NSW Health listed exposures including sections of the Sydney Metro and T4 train line from Macquarie University to Edgecliff, Gran Torino Restaurant in Double Bay, and Macquarie Centre Food Court at Macquarie Park.
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The full list of locations and times is on the NSW Health website.
People who attended those sites between December 3 and 8 are being urged to monitor for symptoms.
These locations do not pose an ongoing risk, NSW Health confirmed.
Northern Sydney Local Health Public Health Unit Director Dr Michael Staff said measles is highly contagious.
“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Staff said.
“Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed by a red, blotchy rash.”
The MMR vaccine is free in NSW for eligible people and can prevent the disease, even if given soon after exposure. Credit: stock.adob
He noted symptoms could take up to 18 days to appear after exposure, and people should watch for signs until December 27 if they were at the listed sites.
Staff urged those who develop symptoms to call ahead to a GP or emergency department to avoid exposing others.
NSW Health also reminded the public to ensure they are up to date with measles vaccination. Anyone born after 1965 should have had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is free in NSW for eligible people and can prevent the disease even if given soon after exposure.
Children as young as six months can receive an early dose if travelling overseas.
For more information on measles, view the government’s measles factsheet.
Authorities are urging people experiencing symptoms to call their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222..
Two cases of measles were recently reported in Tasmania, with the Department of Health issuing an urgent health warning.
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