Measles cases in Quakers Hill, western Sydney Westmead hospital and on Flemington train line triggers outbreak warning

A MEASLES warning has been issued for western Sydney following the confirmation of six new cases of the infectious viral disease, including Wyndham College, Quakers Hill and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air.

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THE LATEST CASES OF MEASLES:

■ Wyndham College at Quakers Hill: March: 28-30

■ The train between Flemington and Quakers Hill: March 28-30

■ Fairfield District Medical Centre: March 26, 31

■ Fairfield Hospital Emergency Department: April 1

■ The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Emergency Department: April 1,2

■ The Auburn area, including Pharmacy 4 Less: March 28 — April 4 and Michel’s Patisserie — April 1

■ NAS Medical Centre, Auburn: April 3

■ 19 cases of measles in NSW this year

■ Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash

■ Details: http://bit.ly/2nWfKpu

A MEASLES warning has been issued for western Sydney following the confirmation of six new cases of the infectious viral disease, including Wyndham College, Quakers Hill and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

NSW Health also found cases on passengers who took the train between Flemington and Quakers Hill during March 28-30.

However, the health authorities said it is not possible to identify and contact all the people who may been exposed to the disease during these days.

Dr Vicki Sheppeard is stressing the importance of being vaccinated.

The new cases are in addition to the six announced previously with NSW Health saying the outbreak has infected Auburn and Bankstown local government areas too.

Public health units are contacting people known to have been in those locations to offer preventive injections, as appropriate.

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director Communicable Diseases, NSW Health, said the outbreak should reinforce the importance of being vaccinated.

“Ten cases have now been confirmed in the past week, signalling an outbreak of measles in western Sydney particularly in the Auburn and Bankstown local government areas,” Dr Sheppeard said.

NSW Health has issued a measles warning for western Sydney.

“The recent cases reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated.

“Measles is highly contagious and is spread in the air through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease,’ she said.

“Unless you are certain you have had two doses of measles vaccine, you should visit your GP as soon as possible for free measles vaccination, as it is safe to have it again.”

“A highly effective measles vaccine has been freely available for many years and it is vital for everyone, including adults and children, to have two doses of the measles vaccine during their lifetime.”

NSW Health is urging people in western Sydney to take advantage of the free measles vaccine, available at GPs, and to watch for measles symptoms, particularly in babies who are too young to receive this vaccination.

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.

Dr Sheppeard said people with measles symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible, stay home from work or school, and limit other activities to avoid exposing other vulnerable people, such as infants, to the infection.