If you’ve been to any of these popular spots in NSW recently, you need to read this.
A measles alert has been issued on Christmas Eve after a confirmed case visited multiple locations across the state.
The Risk is Real
The individual had recently returned from Southeast Asia, where several countries are currently experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks. According to NSW Health, people who were at the same locations as the confirmed case during the exposure period should monitor themselves for symptoms.
What to Watch Out For
So, what are the symptoms of measles? Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Jeremy McAnulty advises to keep an eye out for:
- Fever
- Sore eyes
- A cough
- A red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body (usually appears 3-4 days after the initial symptoms)
The Exposure Period
Here’s the thing: it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. So, if you visited any of the identified locations, you should remain vigilant for symptoms until January 5.
The Locations
Here are the locations the confirmed case visited:
Monday, December 16
- Byron Bay Beach (between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm)
- United Petroleum, 2910 Pacific Highway, Mullaway
- Coffs Central Shopping Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
- Woolworths, 7 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour (between 4:40 and 5:15 pm)
- Wingham Riverside Reserve camping site (from 5:30 pm)
Tuesday, December 17
- Newcastle Bogey Hole pool
- The Grand Hotel, 32 Church St, Newcastle
- Woolworths, 23 Steel St, Newcastle West
- McDonalds Liverpool Mega Centre, Orange Grove Rd, Liverpool
- BP Truck stop, 155 Pennant Hills Rd, Normanhurst
- Bungonia Campground, Bungonia Access Rd, Bungonia (from 5:00 pm)
Wednesday, December 18
- Coles Express, corner of Mount St and Middle St, Gundagai
Get Protected
This is not the first measles alert in recent weeks. Just four days ago, another alert was issued after a European traveller arrived in Australia from Vietnam and visited multiple locations across inner Sydney while infectious.
Dr McAnulty urges everyone to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, as measles is “highly infectious”. NSW Health also recommends that anyone planning to travel confirms they are current with all vaccinations, including the measles vaccine.
Stay Safe
So, what can you do to stay safe? Make sure you’re protected against measles by getting vaccinated. If you’re planning to travel, confirm you’re current with all vaccinations. And if you’ve visited any of the identified locations, keep an eye out for symptoms until January 5.
Remember, measles is highly infectious, but it’s also preventable. Stay safe, and happy holidays!