NSW Health issues measles warning after infectious person visits Berala
NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after a confirmed case visited a medical clinic while infectious in Sydney’s west.
Parramatta
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NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in Berala.
The individual had recently returned from Vietnam, which is experiencing a large measles outbreak, but was not infectious while on their flight.
People who attended the Family Doctors Berala and 4Cyte Pathology at Woodburn Rd on January 18 from 10am to 11.15am have been warned to be aware of the development of symptoms.
South Western Sydney Local Health District public health director Dr Mitchell Smith said while the location posed no ongoing risk, people who visited the site at that time should monitor for symptoms.
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday February 5. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.”
Dr Smith reminded the public to be up to date with their vaccinations, with anyone born after 1965 needing two doses.
“This is especially important before overseas travel,’’ she said.
“Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles.
Dr Smith said people who were unsure whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, because additional doses are safe.
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