NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after an infectious child visited several locations across south western Sydney. The young child recently returned from the Middle East where there have been outbreaks of measles in several countries. They were not considered to be infectious on the flight into Sydney.
People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms: Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. NSW Health will be contacting individuals who attended either of these medical centres at these times: South Western Sydney local health district director of public health Mitchell Smith said people who visited those areas listed should be aware of developing possible symptoms. “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until Friday, June 7.” Dr Smith also urged people to stay up to date with their measles vaccinations. “The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” he said.
“This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious. “.