Measles outbreak has people scrambling to get vaccination

AN outbreak of measles cases across Sydney’s west and south west has got residents scrambling to get a booster vaccination against the highly contagious disease.

• Western Sydney measles outbreak spread to south west
• Massive outbreak of hand, foot and mouth

WITH an outbreak of measles across Sydney, local GPs have noticed an influx in people getting vaccinations to prevent the nasty viral condition.

My Health Liverpool Westfield level 2 GP Bishoy Marcus said after 23 people contracted the virus this year alone, it had scared a lot of people through his doors to protect them.

He said while there were adults wanting coverage, the government’s “no Centrelink payments unless vaccinated” approach has him completing three to four catch up immunisation schedules a week on children.

My Health Liverpool Westfield level 2 GP Bishoy Marcus with the measles vaccination. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

“If you haven’t had measles or are unsure, there’s no harm in getting an extra dose,” he said.

NSW Health is encouraging anyone born between 1966 and 1994 if they haven’t had all three measles vaccinations, to see their GP.

Infected persons in the western Sydney outbreak visited Westfield Liverpool on April 13, 15 and 17 and Casula Central Medical Practice and Chemist Warehouse on April 18.

There have been spikes in reported measles cases in NSW in 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Children aged 0 to 4 contracted the condition most.

Symptoms of measles include fevers, a fine rash, sore eyes and a general unwell feeling.

Physical symptoms take one to two weeks to appear once contracted.

“It can be severe — we don’t have anything — just supportive care.”

South Western Sydney Local Health District’s immunisation rate sits at about 90% of the population.

NSW Health has issued a measles warning.

Dr Marcus said they’d had a massive spike in people catching up on their child’s immunisations as a result of Centrelink not paying benefits unless fully covered.

“It’s surprising how many aren’t vaccinated.

“It’s a nasty condition that is supremely contagious.

“The whole concept of vaccines is like herdal immunity, that way those who can’t take it, are protected.”

He said it was a live vaccine and is contraindicated in those who are immunocompromised.

MEASLES

■ Viral illness

■ Causes a red, fine, spotty rash, sore eyes and fevers

■ It can lead to pneumonia, brain infections and pregnancy complications including premature labour and miscarriage

■ Measles is transmitted often through cough or sneeze droplets

■ It can remain alive in droplets of saliva for several hours

■ Infection can also occur if individuals touch contaminated surfaces

■ Measles is highly contagious. Research suggests nine out of 10 people who come into contact with an infected individual will contract the virus

■ Isolation is a necessity in managing the spread

A close up of the rash you get when you have measles.

INFECTED PERSONS

The latest cases visited the following locations while infectious:

April 18: Casula Central Medical Practice and Chemist Warehouse

April 15: Blacktown Hospital

April 13, 15 and 17: Westfield Liverpool

April 14: Rashays Darling Harbour

April 14: Powerhouse Museum

April 10 and 13: Lawson shops

April 10: Marion Aged Care Facility, Leichardt

April 10: Me Oi Vietnamese restaurant, Strathfield

April 8: Virgin flight VA965, Sydney to Brisbane

April 7: Train and bus travel in western Sydney

March 28 to April 4: Auburn area including Pharmacy4Less

April 3: NAS Medical Centre, Auburn

April 1: Michel’s Patisserie Auburn

April 1 and 2: Children’s Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department

April 1: Fairfield Hospital Emergency Department

March 28-30: Wyndham College, Quakers Hill

March 28-30: Train between Flemington and Quakers Hill

March 26 and 31: Fairfield District Medical Centre

March 26 and 28: Tweed Heads Hospital Emergency Department

March 26: Hillsong Church, Bella Vista