Measles Alert: Highly Contagious Outbreak Spreads Across Sydney and Northern NSW After Infected Traveller Returns from WA Hotspot
- NSW Health issues urgent warning after person with measles travels from WA outbreak zone to Sydney and Northern NSW
- Thousands of people may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, Gold Coast airport, and Tweed Valley Hospital
- Health officials warn symptoms can take up to 18 days to appear, and urge people to watch for fever, sore eyes, runny nose, and a red, blotchy rash
- WA has recorded 35 measles cases this year, with two new cases linked to travel from Bali, while Queensland Health confirms an outbreak at a hostel in Cairns
A health alert has been issued for Sydney and Northern NSW residents after a person with measles travelled from an active outbreak zone in Western Australia. The infected individual, who is believed to have contracted the virus while in WA, flew into Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport on September 12 and later visited the Gold Coast airport and Tweed Valley Hospital.
Health officials have warned that thousands of people may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus, which can cause serious illness, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose, 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,” said North Coast Public Health Director Valerie Delpech.
The warning comes as WA Health confirmed two new measles cases in Perth, linked to travel from Bali, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 35 this year. Queensland Health has also confirmed an outbreak at a hostel in Cairns, linked to travel from Bali.
Delpech urged people who visited the affected areas to monitor for symptoms, which can take up to 18 days to appear. “It’s essential for people to be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” she said. “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough.”
The outbreak has sparked concerns about the spread of the virus, especially among people who are not vaccinated or have weakened immune systems. Health officials are urging people to take precautions and get vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks.