There is currently an outbreak of measles in South Western and Western Sydney, with at least 9 people having acquired the disease in the region during March 2017.
The reported cases include children and infants who have attended childcare centres and secondary schools. There is potential for the measles outbreak to spread further as the infected young people have large social networks both within and outside of their schools, and some have travelled on public transport whilst infectious. Measles is highly infectious and anyone who isn’t vaccinated is at risk of infection if they have had contact with an infectious case.
Immunisation is effective in preventing measles. It is important for everyone to ensure that they have received at least two doses of measles containing vaccine (MMR). Infants and young children are vaccinated with measles containing vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age. Older children and adults born during or after 1966 should ensure that they have been vaccinated with two doses of vaccine. Unless people are certain they have had two doses of measles vaccine, they should visit their GP as soon as possible for free measles vaccination.
The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash usually starts on the face and upper neck and spreads over the body, hands and feet. The rash lasts for 4-7 days.
People with measles symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible phoning the emergency department or GP beforehand, stay home from work or school, and limit other activities to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.
Further information about measles can be found on the NSW Ministry of Health website at:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/measles.html