NSW Health has issued a warning to residents of Sydney’s Inner West after a person infected with measles visited multiple locations in the area.
The person, who recently returned from Vietnam where there is a large outbreak of measles, visited a café and emergency department in the city.
People who were at Café Sir Reuben in Rozelle on Sunday, June 22, between 12-1 pm, or at Concord Hospital Emergency Department on Saturday, June 28, between 10:35 pm-3:10 am, are being warned to watch for symptoms.
What to Look Out For
According to Dr. Leena Gupta, Director of Public Health at Sydney Local Health District, measles is a highly contagious disease that can take up to 18 days to develop after exposure.
Symptoms to look out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
If you develop symptoms, it’s essential to call ahead to your GP or emergency department to ensure you don’t infect others in the waiting room.
Vaccination is Key
Dr. Gupta reminded the community to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, especially before traveling overseas.
The measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough. Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of the measles vaccine.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective, and available for free to children at 12 and 18 months of age, as well as to anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Australia Sees Highest Number of Measles Cases in Six Years
Measles cases have reached a six-year high across Australia, with 84 cases reported so far this year.
This exceeds the total number of cases in 2024, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.