New measles alert after tourist visits Sydney while infectious

A measles warning has been issued after a tourist boarded two domestic flights and visited these locations in Sydney during his trip.

A tourist has sparked a measles alert after he boarded two domestic flights — Tiger Airways and Jetstar — while infected with the disease.

The man aged in his forties was diagnosed with measles in Queensland after having contracted the infection while in Thailand.

He boarded two domestic flights on June 29 and July 2 and spent time in various Sydney locations during his four-day trip.

Health authorities have now issued a warning for passengers on those flights and people in those key Sydney areas to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles.

According to NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Vicky Sheppeard, none of the locations visited by the man pose an ongoing risk.

A man who contracted measles in Thailand boarded a Tiger Airways fight from the Gold Coast to Sydney on June 29.

However, she warned people should keep an eye out for symptoms including fever, sore eyes and a cough — which is followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.

“Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should phone their GP to ensure they don’t wait alongside other patients before seeing their doctor,” Dr Vicky Sheppeard said.

“The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is safe and effective protection against measles.”

MEASLES ALERT: If you've been around central Sydney, Manly, Berowra or the domestic terminal at Sydney Airport keep an eye out for symptoms of measles. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed by a rash. pic.twitter.com/EOWEY2FxyC

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 6, 2019

According to NSW Health, it can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear following exposure to a person with measles and people should look out for symptoms until July 20.

Dr Sheppeard said two doses of measles vaccine provides lifelong protection in 99 out of 100 people who are vaccinated.

“It’s free for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn’t already had two doses. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to have another.”

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

News.com.au has contacted Tiger Airways and Jetstar for comment.

He also boarded a Jetstar flight from Sydney Airport to Gold Coast on July 2. Picture: Jetstar

The man is believed to have been infectious on two flights:

June 29 — Tiger Airways flight TT609 from Gold Coast Airport to Sydney Airport Terminal 2, arriving at 11.25am

July 2 — Jetstar flight JQ420 from Sydney Airport Terminal 2 to the Gold Coast departing at 10.20am.

Locations the man visited in NSW:

While in NSW, the man spent time in the following places while infectious:

Sunday, June 30

• 12.15pm — Train from Domestic Airport to Circular Quay

• 3pm to 4pm — Café Rossini, Circular Quay

• 4pm — Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, departing

• 4.30pm — Blue Water Café, 28 South Steyne, Manly

• 6pm — Ferry from Manly to Circular Quay

Monday, July 1

• 9.30am — Bus 599 to Berowra station

• 9.50am Train from Berowra to Wynyard Station

• 11am to midday — The Rocks Discovery Museum, Kendall Lane, The Rocks

• 12pm — The Australian Hotel, 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks

• 3pm — Starbuck’s at Hyde Park (Pacific Power Building)

• 4pm — McDonald’s at Circular Quay

• 6.20pm — Train from City Circle to Berowra Station

• 7.20pm — Bus 599 from Berowra Station

Monday, July 2

•6.25am — Train from Central Station to Domestic Airport