Officials with NSW Health report with the recent two additional confirmed measles cases, the total cases seen since Christmas is up to 11.

Image/Peggy_Marco
Image/Peggy_Marco

NSW Health is warning passengers on an international flight to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles, after a man in his early fifties, who acquired the infection while visiting family in the Philippines, was diagnosed with the infection. The man was infectious during his flight from Manilla arriving at Sydney International Airport on 20 January.

An infant, from the Dareton region, on the border of NSW and Victoria, has also been diagnosed with measles. The infant, who was too young to be vaccinated, spent time in and around the Mildura (Victoria) region while infectious. Exposures in NSW were limited. At this stage the source of the infant’s infection is unknown.

All people 12 months of age or older, and born during or after 1966 are recommended to receive two doses of measles vaccine. Measles vaccine is available for free from GPs in NSW for people who do not have evidence of measles immunity. For people who are unsure of whether they have previously received two doses, it is safe to receive more than two.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness which begins with a cough, fever, sore, red eyes, and runny nose, followed three to four days later by a red spotty rash which begins on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body.

People who are experiencing signs and symptoms of measles should seek medical attention. NSW Health recommends calling ahead to the practice or emergency department to alert of them of your symptoms so that measures can be taken to limit your exposure to others upon your arrival.