NSW Health warns residents in Sydney and Melbourne to monitor for symptoms of measles

Residents in two states are being urged to remain vigilant for symptoms of a deadly disease after an infectious patient visited multiple locations.

Victorian and NSW residents are being urged to remain alert for symptoms of a deadly disease after a holiday-maker travelled between the two states while infectious.

NSW Health was notified of a Victorian adult who travelled to Sydney while infected with measles, with the traveller visiting several locations, including Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney CBD.

While there is no ongoing risk to the public, those who visited the same locations are advised to remain vigilant for symptoms.

NSW Health has issued an alert for Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney CBD after a person with measles travelled to the state. Picture: istock

Anyone who visited the following locations on February 27, 2024 at the same time or were on the same flights may have been exposed to the virus.

• Virgin flight VA815, departing Melbourne at 7.25am on Tuesday, February 27, 2024

and arriving in Sydney at 8.53am

• Sydney Domestic Airport terminal 2 arrivals between 8.53am and 9.30am

• Domestic Airport Station from 9am to 9.30am

• T8 line 9.09am train from Domestic Airport Station to Central Station

• T4 line 9.23am train from Central arriving at Martin Place at 09:30am

• Martin Place Station from 9.30am to 10am

• Toby’s Estate, 25 Martin Place (previously the MLC Centre) between 10am and

11:50am

• Gateway Building, Alfred St, Circular Quay between 11.45am and 4.30pm,

including the Food Court from 1.30pm to 2:15pm

• Deutsche Bank Place, 126 Phillip St, ground floor atrium from 4pm-5pm

• Mordeo Bistro & Bar, 126 Phillip St from 4.30-5.30pm

• St James Station between 5pm and 5.30pm

• T8 line 5.07pm train from St James Station to Sydney Domestic Airport, Mascot

• Sydney Domestic Airport terminal 3 departures, including food court, from

5.30pm to 7pm

• Qantas flight QF483, departing Sydney at 6.40pm and arriving in Melbourne at

8.20pm.

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District public health unit director Vicky Sheppeard said symptoms of measles included fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone

who is infectious coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and infect others up to

half an hour after the infectious person leaves a room,” Dr Sheppeard said.

“Symptoms may appear between seven and 18 days after an exposure, so it’s important for

people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please

call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the

waiting room with other patients.”

Health authorities are encouraging Australians to ensure they are vaccinated against the disease. Picture: istock

Dr Sheppeard said the recent infection should serve as a reminder for Australians to check that they were protected against the highly infectious disease.

“Anyone born during or after 1966 needs to ensure they have received two doses of

measles vaccine. This is particularly important prior to overseas travel, as measles

outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment,” she said.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is included on the National Immunisation Program for children aged 12 and 18 months and is free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t received two doses of the vaccine.

The vaccine is available at all GPS for all ages and pharmacies for those over the age of five.

NSW health is encouraging anyone with measles symptoms to call their GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.