In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Western Sydney, officials with NSW Health say there has been 22 cases of measles in NSW residents with onset in 2017.
Of this, 16 locally acquired cases reported are related to the Western Sydney outbreak.
A new case in Quaker Hill has prompted a public warning from NSW Health. The person who contracted the disease in Quakers Hill spent time in the Blue Mountains, Strathfield and Leichhardt while infectious.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director Communicable Diseases, NSW Health, said “The latest case was exposed to measles by an earlier case at Wyndham College, Quakers Hill.
“Measles is highly contagious. It can be spread by coughing or sneezing by someone who is infected.
“The best protection from measles is to be vaccinated.”
The patient presented to Blue Mountains Hospital during the afternoon on Good Friday, was isolated and is now making a good recovery.
While infectious he also visited:
- Marion Aged Care Facility, Leichhardt on 10 April
- Me Oi Vietnamese restaurant, Strathfield on 10 April
- Lawson shops, Lawson on 10 and 13 April
Dr Sheppeard said people who have not already had two doses of the vaccine and were in the locations on the dates the patient visited, should be particularly vigilant.
Symptoms of measles include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head and neck to the rest of the body. People with these symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
“People with measles symptoms should stay home from work or school to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection,” Dr Sheppeard said.
“When attending your GP or the emergency department with measles symptoms, please call ahead so arrangements can be made to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to other people.”
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