Health officials issue warning after man infected with measles frequents the Bondi area

Health officials are warning residents in the eastern suburbs to remain vigilant after a man with measles frequented the Bondi area last week.

• Eastern suburbs school defends NAPLAN results
• Treasurer addresses his role in Turnbull saga

Medical officials are urging residents in the eastern suburbs to remain vigilant after a man infected with measles frequented a number of locations in Bondi over the past week.

The man, in his 20s, was vaccinated as a child but picked up the highly contagious disease while travelling in south east Asia.

The case brings the total number of people infectious with the disease in NSW to 36 since last Christmas.

The man had visited the following locations:

• Stayed at a shared accommodation facility at 7 Park Parade, Bondi between April 2 and 9.
• Attended the Bondi Bowling Club, 1 Warners Ave, North Bondi, from 4pm to 9pm.
• Went to the Bondi Junction Medical and Dental Centre, 3A Bronte Road, Bondi Junction between 1pm and 3.30pm on April 3.
• Shopped at Coles, Bondi Junction Eastgate, between 3pm and 4pm on April 8.

The Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction.

The Public Health Unit at the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is offering preventive treatment to those present at those locations.

“Children and adults who have been inadvertently exposed are at risk of developing measles if they were not already immune,” Public Health Unit director Professor Mark Ferson said.

“If you develop symptoms please call ahead to your GP so that you do not wait in the waiting room and infect other patients.

“The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective protection against measles. NSW Health offers free MMR vaccine via GPs for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you are unsure whether you have had two doses, it is quite safe to have another dose.”

IN OTHER NEWS

While the risk of infection is low in fully-vaccinated people, health experts urge anyone who comes into contact with someone who has measles to remain alert for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop.

Two doses of measles vaccine provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated.

SESLHD is urging people travelling overseas to ensure they are fully vaccinated before heading off.

A baby girl with measles. Picture: istock

Outbreaks of measles in popular tourist destinations means the risk for measles being imported into Australia is high.

Measles is highly contagious and is spread through coughing or sneezing by someone who is unwell with the disease and can remain in the air even after the person has left the room.

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.